Med Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions Related

Review Med Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions related questions and content

Where does the majority of carbohydrate digestion occur?

  • A. stomach
  • B. small intestine
  • C. mouth
  • D. esophagus
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The majority of carbohydrate digestion occurs in the mouth. This is because the enzyme amylase, present in saliva, begins breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars like maltose. The process starts in the mouth as the food is chewed and mixed with saliva, creating a bolus that can be easily swallowed. In the stomach, the acidic environment actually inhibits amylase activity, so minimal carbohydrate digestion occurs there. The small intestine is where further digestion and absorption of carbohydrates primarily happen, but the initial breakdown in the mouth is crucial. The esophagus is not involved in digestion, but rather in the transportation of food to the stomach.