Small Intestines

At six meters long and located within the middle of the abdomen, the small intestine is the longest portion of the digestive system. The small intestine has a lot of flexibility and mobility due to the thin layer of fat surrounding it and its coiled shape.

What is the Function of the Small Intestine?

The digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the food, is completed in the small intestine. The digested nutrients is then absorbed in the lining of the small intestine and transferred to the bloodstream to be used by the body.

The small intestine is made up of three sections: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum.

The Duodenum

It is the first part of the small intestine, C-shaped and about 25 centimeters long. Its main functions are:

• It digests the bulk of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates before they are moved further into the small intestine,
• It receives the thick liquid mixture of partly digested food and acid from the stomach. It quickly neutralizes the alkaline environment of the duodenum,
• It receives bile from the gallbladder and other digestive enzymes from the pancreas, and
• It mixes the bile, mucus, pancreatic juice and other digestive enzymes with the food.

Jejunum and Ileum

The jejunum is 1-2 m long, coiled mid-section of the small intestine. The ileum on the other hand is the final portion of the small intestine and measures about 2-4 m in length.

The inner linings of these sections contain tiny finger like bumps called “villi”. These increase the surface area of the small intestine and improve their ability to absorb more nutrients.

Food is fully broken down into their nutrient components like amino acids, vitamins, minerals, salts and water.

Conditions that Can Affect the Small Intestines

Most of the conditions that affect the small intestines can also affect the other digestive organs especially the large intestines. They include:

• Peptic ulcers,
• Constipation,
• Food poisoning,
• Celiac disease, and
• Infections of the digestive tract

Most of the conditions that can affect the small intestines have to do with hygiene and dietary habits. The most common is food poisoning which can be avoided by making sure that one eats clean food free of harmful bacteria. It is also important to have a diet laden with fiber in order to feed the bacteria that is in the small intestines.

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