Which digestive system structure serves to compact and store waste and recover water?

The cecum plays a critical role in the digestive system by acting as a pouch where materials from the small intestine first enter before they move into the large intestine. Its primary functions include compaction of waste and recovery of water. As waste material passes through the cecum, the lining absorbs excess water and salts, facilitating the formation of solid waste, or feces. This process is essential for maintaining the body's fluid balance and ensuring that the waste is in a manageable state for elimination.

In contrast, the other structures listed have different primary roles. The small intestine is primarily involved in nutrient absorption from digested food. The stomach serves to break down food through mechanical and chemical means, but not waste compaction or water recovery. The appendix, while connected to the cecum, has a less defined role in digestion and water recovery, often considered to have a minor function, possibly linked to immune response rather than waste management.