Where does the majority of carbohydrate breakdown occur in the digestive system?

The majority of carbohydrate breakdown occurs in the small intestine due to the action of pancreatic enzymes and intestinal enzymes. Once carbohydrates are ingested, they begin to be broken down in the mouth by salivary amylase, but this initial digestion is limited. The stomach primarily focuses on the digestion of proteins and does not play a significant role in carbohydrate breakdown.

In the small intestine, the pancreas secretes pancreatic amylase, which continues the process of breaking down starches into simpler sugars such as maltose. Additionally, the lining of the small intestine produces enzymes, like maltase and sucrase, which further break down disaccharides into monosaccharides. This efficient process allows for the absorption of glucose, fructose, and galactose directly into the bloodstream.

The large intestine has minimal involvement in carbohydrate digestion, as most carbohydrates should already be digested and absorbed before reaching this part of the digestive system. Thus, the small intestine is the key site for the majority of carbohydrate breakdown, making it the correct answer.