The small intestine is an intermediate of the gastrointestinal system connecting the stomach to the large intestine. It is the site of absorption for the majority of nutrients.

Figure 1. Small intestine (Credit: Blausen.com staff (2014), CC BY-SA 4.0)
Figure 2. Layers of the small intestine (Credit: OpenStax, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Description

The small intestine measures about 6-7 meters, extending from the pyloric sphincter to the ileocecal junction. It consists of:

  • Duodenum
  • Jejunum
  • Ileum

Duodenum

From Latin — twelve (twelve fingers, literally the length of it — or 25cm long), the duodenum extends from the pyloric sphincter to duodenojejunal flexure (L2).

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