Small intestine

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The small intestine is between the stomach and the large intestine. In humans over 5 years old, a small intestine may be five to six meters long. It is where most of the digestion and absorption happens.[1]

The small intestine has three regions – the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.

  • The duodenum receives bile and juice from the pancreas. It is where most digestion takes place. Secretions neutralise the stomach acidity, and enzymes digest the food.
  • The jejenum: the products of digestion (sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids) are absorbed into the bloodstream here.
  • The ileum: absorbs vitamin B12 and bile salts and any products of digestion which were not absorbed by the jejunum.

References[change | change source]

  1. ↑ The main function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food. [1]


 
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