Where does digestion end in the human body?

Digestion ends in the small intestine, where final enzymatic breakdown occurs and nutrients are absorbed.

Process map

• Mouth: Mechanical chewing; salivary amylase starts starch digestion.
• Stomach: Protein denaturation and partial digestion by pepsin.
• Small intestine: Pancreatic enzymes and intestinal enzymes complete digestion; bile aids fat emulsification.

Endpoint

• Final digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids finishes in the jejunum–ileum segment.
• Most absorption happens across villi and microvilli here.

Large intestine mainly absorbs water and minerals; little to no digestion occurs there.