Question

How is the small intestine designed to absorb digested food?

Answer 1

Small intestine:

1. The small intestine is where a large number of nutrients and minerals, as well as water, are absorbed.
2. It secretes digestive juices that aid in food digestion and absorption.
3. The pancreatic and gallbladder juices are transferred to the small intestine, where they aid in digestion.

Absorption of food in the small intestine:

1. The small intestine is divided into three sections: the duodenum (the shortest portion near the stomach), the jejunum (the middle section), and the ileum (the end portion of the small intestine which involves the absorption of remaining products).
2. The presence of small finger-like projections called villi in the duodenum aids in food absorption.
3. The jejunum has an enterocyte cell lining that digests small nutrients with the help of digestive enzymes.
4. The ileum aids in the absorption of bile salts, vitamin B12, and other byproducts.
5. The hormones cholecystokinin and secretin are produced in the small intestine, and together with digestive enzymes and juices, they result in food absorption and digestion.
6. Three types of nutrients are digested in the small intestine: lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.