The role of the large intestine in the digestion of food is primarily to absorb water and electrolytes while forming and storing waste. After nutrients have been extracted in the small intestine, the remaining material passes into the large intestine, where beneficial bacteria further break down remaining substances, producing vital vitamins. The large intestine compacts waste into feces for eventual excretion. This process is crucial for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance within the body, highlighting the large intestine's importance in the digestive system's overall function.