Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

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Which part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the longest?

Large Intestine
Small Intestine
Stomach
Rectum

The correct answer is: Small Intestine

The small intestine is the longest part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, measuring about 20 feet in length in an average adult. It is divided into three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. This lengthy structure plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, making it crucial for the body’s nutritional needs. The large intestine, while significant in its function of water absorption and preparation of waste for elimination, is shorter, typically around 5 feet in length. The stomach, primarily involved in the initial stages of digestion through mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, is relatively short in comparison—about 1 to 2 feet long. The rectum, serving as the final portion of the large intestine, is also much shorter than the small intestine. Thus, the distinction in length and functional roles of these segments of the GI tract clarifies why the small intestine is identified as the longest, highlighting its importance in the digestive process.