Question

Describe the process of digestion in small intestine.

Answer 1

Small intestine: It is a highly coiled organ with three regions named duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. It is lined with micro finger-like structures on the inner side called villi.

Small intestine digestion:

1. The chyme formed within the stomach moves into the small intestine for the final stage of digestion.
2. The chyme is treated with the bile juice released from the gall bladder which helps to emulsify the fat and make it easier for the enzymes to break it down.
3. The glands around the small intestine pour their secretions within the small intestine where the breakdown activity takes place.
4. The pancreas secretes the pancreatic juice which contains enzymes like lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin.
5. Lipase breaks down the fat globules and trypsin and chymotrypsin work on polypeptides and converts them to single units of amino acids.
6. Once all this digestion is complete the small intestine walls having villi help in the absorption of this food.