CBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 16: Digestion and Absorption NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental processes of Digestion and Absorption in Class 11 Biology, as per NCERT guidelines. The solutions cover key concepts related to the digestive system, including the structure and function of intestinal villi, the role of the hepato-pancreatic duct, and common disorders affecting digestion. It also clarifies which glands are associated with the alimentary canal. These detailed explanations and answers are designed to help students grasp complex biological processes, understand the mechanisms of nutrient breakdown and uptake, and prepare effectively for their examinations by reinforcing their knowledge of the digestive system's anatomy and physiology.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Biology Exemplar
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 16

Chapter summary

Chapter 16 of the CBSE Class 11 Biology NCERT Solutions focuses on Digestion and Absorption. It provides clear explanations for multiple-choice questions covering the characteristics of intestinal villi, the contents of the hepato-pancreatic duct, common digestive system disorders like jaundice and diarrhoea, and glands associated with the alimentary canal. The solutions aim to solidify students' understanding of how food is processed and absorbed in the human body.

Learning outcomes

Understand the structural adaptations of intestinal villi for absorption.
Identify the substances transported by the hepato-pancreatic duct.
Differentiate between common disorders of the digestive system.
Recognize glands associated with the alimentary canal and their functions.
Analyze why certain conditions are not considered digestive system disorders.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Intestinal Villi Structure and Function
Microvilli
Capillaries and Lacteals
Hepato-pancreatic Duct
Bile
Pancreatic Juice
Duodenum
Digestive System Disorders
Diarrhoea
Jaundice
Dysentery
Associated Glands (Pancreas, Liver, Salivary Glands)

Important topics

Structure and Function of Intestinal Villi
Role of Hepato-pancreatic Duct
Common Digestive System Disorders
Glands Associated with the Alimentary Canal

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Questions and Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 1

Select what is not true of intestinal villi among the following options:

They possess microvilli.
They increase the surface area.
They are supplied with capillaries and the lacteal vessels.
They only participate in digestion of fats.

Solution: The correct option is (d). Intestinal villi are numerous, small, finger-shaped projections lining the inner surface of the small intestine. Their primary functions are to significantly increase the absorptive surface area and to absorb digested food substances. Each villus contains a network of blood capillaries and a central lymph vessel called a lacteal, which are essential for transporting absorbed nutrients. Furthermore, the surface of the villi is covered with epithelial cells that have countless minute projections called microvilli, which further enhance the absorptive capacity. While villi are crucial for the absorption of fats (via lacteals) and other nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals (via capillaries), they do not solely or primarily participate in the digestion of fats; digestion primarily occurs in the lumen and at the brush border of the intestinal cells.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 2

The hepato-pancreatic duct opens into the duodenum and carries:

bile
pancreatic juice
both bile and pancreatic juice
saliva

Solution: The correct option is (c). The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. The pancreas produces pancreatic juice. The duct from the gallbladder (cystic duct) joins the hepatic duct from the liver to form the common bile duct. This common bile duct then joins with the pancreatic duct from the pancreas to form the hepato-pancreatic duct. This common duct opens into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, and delivers both bile and pancreatic juice, which are essential for the digestion of food.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 3

One of the following is not a common disorder associated with the digestive system:

Tetanus
Diarrhoea
Jaundice
Dysentery

Solution: The correct option is (a). Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, causing prolonged muscle contractions and spasms. It is not considered a disorder of the digestive system. Diarrhoea is characterized by frequent, loose, watery stools, indicating impaired absorption. Jaundice is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin, often indicating liver malfunction. Dysentery is an inflammatory disorder of the intestine, particularly the colon, leading to severe diarrhoea with blood and mucus.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 4

A gland not associated with the alimentary canal is:

pancreas
adrenal
liver
salivary glands

Solution: The correct option is (b). The adrenal gland is an endocrine gland located on top of each kidney. It produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which regulate various bodily functions but are not directly involved in the process of digestion or the alimentary canal. The pancreas, liver, and salivary glands are all accessory organs that play crucial roles in digestion by secreting enzymes, bile, and saliva, respectively, into the alimentary canal.

Common mistakes

Confusing the functions of intestinal villi (e.g., participation in fat digestion vs. absorption).
Incorrectly identifying glands associated with the alimentary canal.
Misclassifying disorders as related to the digestive system when they are not.
Not fully understanding the combined role of bile and pancreatic juice in the duodenum.

Revision tips

Review the diagram of intestinal villi and label its components and functions.
Create a table listing digestive system disorders and their symptoms.
Memorize the glands associated with the alimentary canal and their primary secretions.
Focus on the specific role of the hepato-pancreatic duct and its contents.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding intestinal villi?

Q2. The hepato-pancreatic duct, which opens into the duodenum, carries:

Q3. Which of the following is NOT a common disorder associated with the digestive system?

Q4. Which of the following glands is NOT directly associated with the alimentary canal?

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary role of intestinal villi?

Intestinal villi are finger-like projections that significantly increase the surface area of the small intestine, facilitating efficient absorption of digested nutrients, water, and electrolytes.

What substances are transported by the hepato-pancreatic duct?

The hepato-pancreatic duct carries both bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, and pancreatic juice, secreted by the pancreas, into the duodenum.

Can you name a disorder that is NOT associated with the digestive system?

Tetanus is a disorder characterized by muscle spasms and is not directly associated with the digestive system, unlike conditions such as diarrhoea, jaundice, or dysentery.

Which glands are considered accessory organs of the digestive system?

The accessory organs of the digestive system include the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, all of which contribute to the digestive process through secretions.

How do microvilli contribute to digestion and absorption?

Microvilli are microscopic projections on the surface of villi, further increasing the absorptive surface area of the small intestine. They are crucial for maximizing nutrient uptake.

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