In this lesson, you will learn about the structure as well as the function of the small intestine. Specifically, this lesson will cover:
1. Main Function
The main function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from our food. As food exits the stomach it enters the small intestine and is pushed through a long tube by peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions).
Digestive enzymes secreted by various sources aid in the breakdown of proteins, fats, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. These digestive enzymes come from other accessory organs associated with the digestive system and make it easier to break down these nutrients for absorption.
Pancreatic amylase is an enzyme that helps to absorb and break down starches, while lipase is an enzyme that helps to break down and absorb fats. In summary, these enzymes aid with the breakdown and absorption of these different nutrients as they pass through the lumen of the small intestine.
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Enzymes are a very important part of our digestive system.
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- Small Intestine
- A part of the digestive tract where the majority of nutrients are absorbed.
- Peristalsis
- Wave-like muscle contractions.
- Amylase
- An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates in the digestive system.
- Lipase
- An enzyme that breaks down fats in the digestive system.
2. Structure
The small intestine is connected to the stomach on one end and the large intestine on the other end. The small intestine is actually rather long, which actually helps to make sure that you have enough space for all of the nutrients to be absorbed.
2a. Sections of the Small Intestine
There are three sections of the small intestine:
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Duodenum: Directly connected to the stomach
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Jejunum: Middle portion
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Ileum: End portion that connects to the large intestine
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- Duodenum
- The first section of the small intestine, where most of the digestive enzymes are secreted.
- Jejunum
- The middle section of the small intestine, where most of the absorption of carbohydrates and proteins occurs.
- Ileum
- The last section of the small intestine which connects to the large intestine, where most of the lipids are absorbed.
2b. Villi and Microvilli
The lumen is in contact with the layer called the mucosa, which is the first and largest layer of the small intestine. The lining of the mucosa is formed by intestinal folds called villi within the lumen of our small intestine.
On each of those intestinal folds, there are cells with little hair-like projections called microvilli which increase the surface area of the mucosa. By increasing the surface area with these intestinal villi, we have a much larger surface area for absorption.
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Having all of these different folds—villi and microvilli and the intestinal folds—increases the surface area for absorption. This ensures as many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients overall can be absorbed from our food as possible.
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- Villi
- Small finger-like projections that line the mucosa and act to increase surface area and absorb nutrients.
- Microvilli
- Hair-like projections that cover villi and aid in absorption of nutrients.
This lesson has been an overview of the structure and function of the small intestine. The structure of the intestine was covered with brief descriptions of how each part contributes, including the three sections. The villi and microvilli increase the surface area for absorption.
Keep up the learning and have a great day!