Upon leaving the last portion of the small intestine, nutrients move through the large intestine in what order?

The sequence described in the correct answer reflects the actual anatomical pathway nutrients take as they move through the large intestine, beginning with the cecum and culminating at the anus. After the small intestine, any undigested food and waste products enter the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine. From there, they pass into the ascending colon, which travels upward on the right side of the abdomen.

As the contents move along, they then go into the transverse colon, which crosses the abdomen horizontally. Next, the material enters the descending colon, which moves down the left side of the abdomen, and then it transitions into the sigmoid colon, which leads to the rectum. Finally, waste is stored in the rectum until it is eliminated from the body through the anus.

This order is crucial in understanding the digestive process, as each part of the colon has a specific role in the absorption of water and electrolytes, and the formation of feces, ultimately leading to excretion.