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Small Intestine

The Small Intestine (pronounced: /smɔːl ɪnˈtɛstɪn/) is a part of the gastrointestinal tract following the stomach and followed by the large intestine, and is where much of the digestion and absorption of food takes place.

Etymology

The term "Small Intestine" originates from the Latin intestinum tenue. Intestinum means "gut" or "internal", and tenue means "thin".

Anatomy

The small intestine is divided into three structural parts:

1. Duodenum - the first section, which receives partially digested food (known as chyme) from the stomach and begins the absorption of nutrients. 2. Jejunum - the middle section, which continues the process of absorption of nutrients. 3. Ileum - the final section, which absorbs vitamin B12 and bile salts and whatever products of digestion were not absorbed by the jejunum.

Function

The main function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food. Digestion begins in the stomach where gastric acid breaks down large protein molecules into smaller peptides. The partially digested food enters the duodenum as a thick semi-liquid chyme. In the small intestine, the pH becomes crucial; it needs to be finely balanced in order to activate digestive enzymes.

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