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Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 08:15, 16 July 2008
, 08:15, 16 July 2008→Function
==Function==
==Function==
===To mix content and transport chyme===
*Contraction of the two muscle layers facilitates mixing and transportation.
*Contraction of the two muscle layers facilitates mixing and transportation.
*There are two types of muscle contraction:
*There are two types of muscle contraction:
***Transports chyme through the small intestine but contractions can be weak to allow time for absorption
***Transports chyme through the small intestine but contractions can be weak to allow time for absorption
*When a peristaltic ‘’wave’’ of contraction reaches the end of the [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]], another starts in the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]]. This is known as a ''migrating myoelectric complex''.
*When a peristaltic ‘’wave’’ of contraction reaches the end of the [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]], another starts in the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]]. This is known as a ''migrating myoelectric complex''.
===To secrete enzymes for the digestion of chyme and absorb the products of digestion===
*In digestion, large, complex molecules are broken down into their constituents. They are then absorbed and used by the body for energy or used as building blocks for new complex molecules. The three main molecules that undergo digestion are carbohydrates, triacyglycerols and proteins.
*In digestion, large, complex molecules are broken down into their constituents. They are then absorbed and used by the body for energy or used as building blocks for new complex molecules. The three main molecules that undergo digestion are carbohydrates, triacyglycerols and proteins.
*'''Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption'''
*'''Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption'''