Where is lactose primarily absorbed in the body?

Lactose is primarily absorbed in the small intestine, which is the correct answer. The small intestine is specifically designed for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Lactose, a disaccharide sugar found in milk, is broken down by the enzyme lactase into its monosaccharide components, glucose and galactose, in the small intestine. Once digested, these simple sugars are readily absorbed through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream, where they can be utilized by the body for energy.

The stomach primarily serves to break down food and does not play a significant role in the absorption of nutrients. While it facilitates the initial stages of digestion through acid and enzyme action, the absorption of lactose does not occur there. The pancreas is involved in producing enzymes and hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, but it does not absorb nutrients. Lastly, the liver functions in processing absorbed nutrients but is not the site of absorption itself. Therefore, the small intestine is the central location for lactose absorption after it has been properly digested.