most digestion and absorption occurs in the ___?
Glands lining the stomach secrete hydrochloric acid that dissolves food particles and protein-digesting enzymes, called pepsin. Final stages of digestion and most of the nutrient absorption occurs in next portion of the tract: the small intestine. The small intestine is divided into 3 segments-duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach.