Which part of the nonruminant digestive system is enlarged and located between the small and large intestine?

The correct answer is the cecum, which plays an important role in the digestive system of nonruminants. It is an enlarged pouch-like structure that connects the small intestine to the large intestine. In many animals, including humans, the cecum acts as a fermentation chamber, where bacteria help to break down fibrous material. This function is especially significant in species that consume plant-based diets, as it aids in the absorption of nutrients from fiber.

The other parts mentioned in the options serve different functions within the digestive process. The stomach is primarily responsible for the initial breakdown of food through mechanical and chemical digestion. The rectum is the terminal part of the digestive system that stores feces prior to excretion, and the esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. Each of these structures has a distinct role, but none serves the specific function of connecting the small and large intestines like the cecum does.