Title: What is the Small Intestine? - Anatomy and Functions - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
Headings: What is the Small Intestine? - Anatomy and Functions
What is the Small Intestine? - Anatomy and Functions
Lesson Transcript
Small Intestine
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum and Peyer's Patches
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What is the Small Intestine? - Anatomy and Functions
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Content: Therefore, this valve's name is easy to remember because it is the valve that lies between the ileum and cecum. Lesson Summary
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The small intestine is the section of your digestive tract where the majority of food digestion and nutrient absorption takes place. It's divided into three sections. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach. Because a number of digestive juices flow into the duodenum we consider it the section of the small intestine where the majority of the chemical digestion of food takes place. The middle section of the small intestine is called the jejunum. Because the jejunum receives the nutrients that are broken down by the duodenum we see that the jejunum is a prominent site for nutrient absorption. The terminal section of the small intestine is called the ileum. This final section of the small intestine is where we see absorption of vitamin B12 and bile salts along with any remaining nutrients that had not yet been absorbed. The ileum also contains Peyer's patches, which are collections of lymphatic tissues that prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream.