The primary site for absorption of water by the digestive system is the:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The colon (large intestine) is the primary site for water absorption, consolidating waste into feces.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ventral surface of the hard palate is covered by stratified squamous epithelium that is keratinized (often parakeratinized) to withstand mechanical stress from food. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium is found in respiratory regions, not here.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Filiform papillae are covered by parakeratinized epithelium and are numerous on the anterior tongue, but they do not carry taste buds or have Von Ebner's glands.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Taste buds are absent in the esophagus; they are present on the tongue, soft palate, and epiglottis for taste perception.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cardiac gland pits are shallow, not deep, occupying less than half the mucosal thickness, unlike fundic glands.