Which system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients?

• A. Pumps blood
• B. Breaks down nutrients
• C. Maintains posture
• D. Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients

Answer: (D)

The digestive system handles both breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, using mechanical and chemical processes to turn food into small molecules and then lining the small intestine to transfer those nutrients into the bloodstream. This dual role is why the statement describing it as breaking down food and absorbing nutrients is the best choice. Other options point to different body systems or describe only part of the function (for example, pumping blood relates to the circulatory system, and maintaining posture relates to the muscular-skeletal system). The digestive system uniquely covers both stages—breaking down food and taking in nutrients—so it best fits the question.