The intestines, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, are a long tube-like organ in the human body that is responsible for digestion and absorption of food. The ileum, cecum, duodenum, and COLON are all parts of the intestines. The ileum is the last part of the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing vitamins and minerals. The cecum is the first part of the large intestine and is responsible for breaking down food particles. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and is responsible for breaking down proteins and fats. Finally, the COLON is the last part of the large intestine and is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes.