Title: Small Intestine
Headings: Small Intestine
Small Intestine
Digestive System:
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Small Intestine
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Content: The chyme, or partially digested food from the stomach, is pushed along the small intestine by muscle contractions called peristaltic waves. Most of the chemical digestion and breakdown of the food happens in the duodenum. Food is mixed with bile from the gallbladder and digestive juices from the pancreas. The pancreas also releases bicarbonate into the duodenum to neutralize potentially harmful acid from the stomach. Absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients begins in the lower part of the duodenum. Once the chyme leaves the duodenum, it enters the middle section of the small intestine, the jejunum. The jejunum is responsible for absorption the majority of nutrients from the chyme. The digested food passes into the capillaries and lymphatic vessels in the wall of the intestine. Nutrients such as glucose and amino acids are absorbed into capillaries, while fats are absorbed into the lymph vessels. The ileum is the last section of the small intestine.