Eat Right Practice Exam

How is alcohol digested and absorbed?

1. Alcohol requires no digestion and is absorbed by simple diffusion.

2. Alcohol is digested in the stomach and absorbed primarily from the small intestine.

3. Alcohol is digested in and absorbed primarily from the stomach.

4. Alcohol requires no digestion and is absorbed by active transport.

The correct answer is: Alcohol requires no digestion and is absorbed by simple diffusion.

Alcohol is indeed absorbed by simple diffusion, which distinguishes it from many other nutrients that require more complex processes for digestion and absorption. When alcohol enters the body, it does not need to undergo any digestive breakdown, as its small molecular structure allows it to pass directly through cell membranes. Once consumed, alcohol is absorbed mainly through the lining of the stomach and the small intestine into the bloodstream. Since this process occurs via passive diffusion, it does not require energy, which is why the correct choice emphasizes that alcohol requires no digestion. Other options suggest different modes of digestion or absorption. For instance, some imply that alcohol is digested in the stomach or absorbed through more complex mechanisms, such as active transport. However, these descriptions do not align with the actual process of how alcohol interacts with the body's systems. By focusing on the unique absorption characteristics of alcohol, the correct response highlights a fundamental aspect of alcohol metabolism.