Which organ's primary function includes separating clear and turbid digestion?

The small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion, specifically in the process of separating clear and turbid substances. In traditional Chinese medicine, this organ is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and the separation of refined (clear) products, such as nutrients and fluids, from waste (turbid) materials. This separation is vital for maintaining a balanced digestive system and ensuring that only the beneficial components are absorbed into the body while waste products are prepared for excretion.

The small intestine also communicates and coordinates with other organs, such as the stomach, which is primarily focused on the initial phases of digestion, including breaking down food. However, the primary action of separating clear from turbid is a distinctive function attributed specifically to the small intestine. This separation is critical for the overall digestive process, as it influences the efficiency of nutrient absorption and the health of the gastrointestinal system.

The other organs listed—such as the stomach, which processes food, the large intestine, which primarily focuses on waste elimination, and the pericardium, which is involved in protecting the heart—do not perform the specific function of separating clear and turbid digestion in the same way as the small intestine.