What is the primary function of the large intestine in the human digestive system?

The large intestine's primary function is the absorption of water and minerals. As food passes through the gastrointestinal tract, the body extracts the nutrients during digestion, which primarily occurs in the small intestine. However, by the time waste material reaches the large intestine, much of the nutrients have already been absorbed. The large intestine's role is to reclaim water and electrolytes from the waste, making it crucial for maintaining the body's fluid and mineral balance. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste (stool) for excretion, and prevents dehydration by ensuring that excess water is absorbed back into the body.

The other options address different functions of the digestive system, but they do not accurately reflect the primary role of the large intestine. While digestion of food and absorption of nutrients occur mainly in the stomach and small intestine, production of enzymes is chiefly the function of glands in the mouth, stomach, and pancreas, not the large intestine.