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Content: The functions of small intestine
The small intestine consists of three distinct parts, which are as follows: Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
The food that is present in the stomach is pumped into the duodenum with the help of a muscle known as the pylorus, or the pyloricistalsis. There are two main functions of the small intestine, i.e. digestion and absorption of food. They are discussed below in detail. Digestion: Most of the chemical digestion of food occurs in the small intestine. The digestive enzymes that that work in the small intestine are mostly secreted by the pancreas and passed on via the pancreatic duct. The presence of nutrients in the small intestine causes the secretion of the hormone cholecystokinin which causes the digestive enzymes to enter the small intestine. The hormone secretin leads to the release of bicarbonate into the small intestine by the pancreas to offset the effects of harmful acids sent by the stomach. There are three types of nutrients that are subjected to digestion.