National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Where is ethanol mainly absorbed in the human body?

1. Stomach

2. Large intestine

3. Small intestine

4. Pancreas

The correct answer is: Small intestine

Ethanol, the active component in alcoholic beverages, is primarily absorbed in the small intestine due to its vast surface area and the presence of specific transport mechanisms that facilitate the absorption of small molecules. The small intestine's lining is richly endowed with villi and microvilli, which enhance absorption efficiency. While some ethanol can be absorbed in the stomach, the majority occurs in the small intestine where it quickly enters the bloodstream, leading to more rapid effects. In comparison, while the stomach does allow for some absorption, it is significantly less efficient. The large intestine's role in absorption mainly pertains to water and electrolytes rather than substances like ethanol. The pancreas does not participate in the absorption process; its functions are related to digestion and hormone production rather than nutrient uptake from the digestive tract. Thus, the small intestine stands out as the primary site for the absorption of ethanol in the human body.