Title: Your Digestive System in Pictures
Headings: Your Digestive System in Pictures
Your Digestive System in Pictures
Learn About Your Insides
Your Upper Digestive System
Your Small Intestine
Your Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas
Your Large Intestine
Putting It All Together

Content: The main job of the small intestine is to absorb essential nutrients into the bloodstream. The small intestine is made up of three parts: Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
The small intestine is aided in its work by the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. In the duodenum, bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic secretions are added to the chyme. The jejunum and ileum are responsible for the breakdown and absorption of most nutrients, including fats, starches, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. What Does the Small Intestine Do? 4
Your Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas
PIXOLOGICSTUDIO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas all play an important role in the digestion of food. The liver produces bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder. Bile is then released into the small intestine as needed, where it dissolves fat so that it can be absorbed into the body. The pancreas secretes bicarbonate, which neutralizes the hydrochloric acid from the stomach, as well as enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats.