Question

Alcohol is absorbed in
(A) Mouth
(B) Mouth and esophagus
(C) Stomach and proximal intestine
(D) Throughout the alimentary canal

Answer 1

When alcohol is consumed, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The cells that line up the part of the gastrointestinal or GI tract are called epithelial cells. These cells are perfect for absorption because they have finger-like projections protruding into the GI lumen, which tremendously increases the surface area for the absorption of nutrients and other molecules through the membranes.

Complete answer:
We know that alcohol has a high affinity for water and therefore is found in body tissues and fluids since they contain water. And the absorbed alcohol is carried throughout the body in the blood very quickly and once absorption of alcohol is complete an equilibrium occurs. It occurs in such a manner that blood at all points in the system contains approximately the same concentration of alcohol.
First of all, alcohol (ethanol) is a drug, and health professionals should know something of its physiological and pathological effects and its handling by the body. After ingestion, right from the starting of the alimentary canal alcohol absorption starts. From all parts of the gastrointestinal tract alcohol is largely absorbed by simple diffusion into the blood. However, the small intestine is the most favorable and efficient region in the whole gastrointestinal tract for alcohol absorption because of its very large surface area. Generally, it is seen that 10% to 20% of a dose of alcohol is absorbed from the stomach and 75% to 80% is absorbed from the small intestine in a fasting individual. In fasting, people's alcohol concentrations reach a peak within 0.5 to 2.0 hours, while in non-fasting people these alcohol concentrations reach the peak within 1.0 hours, and in extreme cases up to as much as 4.0 hours.

Additional Information:

1. According to sex, size and body build, blood alcohol concentration varies. It also varies in different phases of the menstrual cycle, previous exposure to alcohol, type of drink, whether alcohol is taken with food or drugs.
2. Alcohol also acts as a central nervous system depressant and CNS is the bodily system that is most severely affected by alcohol. The concentration of alcohol in the blood is directly proportional to the degree of central nervous system function is impaired.
3. Alcohol is eliminated from the bloodstream at about 0.015 per hour. Alcohol in the sample of an individual can show up in a blood test for up to 12 hours. It can be detected in urine for up to 3 to 5 days and in hair follicles, it is detectable up to 90 days.
4. About 10% of alcohol is eliminated through urine or perspiration. It can also be eliminated through the breath since the bloodstream carries it to the lungs. This is the reason why a breathalyzer can measure your blood alcohol level.
5. About 90% of alcohol is eliminated through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. They play a role in the process of excretion of alcohol. The liver is the main organ responsible for transforming alcohol absorbed by the blood into substances that your body can process and eliminate.
   So, the correct answer is, ‘(C) Stomach and proximal intestine.’

Note: If someone is taking any medication, it could increase the effects of alcohol. One should always consult their physician or the medical information that accompanies the medication when drinking alcohol in conjunction with any medication.