Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology

BACK TO ALIMENTARY - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Small Intestine

Introduction

The small intestine extends from the pylorus of the stomach to the caecum . It is attached along it's whole length to the dorsal abdominal wall by mesentry. The mesentry is relatively long for its most part, giving the small intestine a great deal of mobility. The small intestine produces enzymes for digestion of protein, carbohydrate and fat and absorbs the products of their digestion. Enzymes are produced by glands in the intestinal wall and the pancreas. The gall bladder produces bile which emulsifies fats for digestion. Absorption is facilitated by ridges in the small intestine and by the presence of villi and microvilli.

The small intestine consists of three parts:

• Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology
• Jejunum - Anatomy & Physiology
• Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology