What process describes the movement of substances through the intestinal mucosa into the blood or lymph?

The correct choice is absorption because it specifically refers to the process by which nutrients and other substances move from the intestinal tract through the intestinal mucosa and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This process is crucial for nutrient uptake, allowing the body to utilize nutrients for energy, growth, and repair.

Absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine, where the lining is adapted with villi and microvilli to maximize surface area and enhance nutrient absorption. Once nutrients are absorbed, they can travel through the bloodstream to various tissues, or in the case of fats, they enter the lymphatic system before eventually reaching the bloodstream.

Other terms related to digestive processes have specific meanings that differentiate them from absorption. Digestion refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed. Metabolism encompasses the chemical processes that occur within the body to maintain life, including converting nutrients into energy. Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction of muscles in the digestive tract that moves food along the gastrointestinal tract but does not involve the absorption of nutrients into the body.