Question

What is a deodenum in a digestive system?

Answer 1

The duodenum is the first and shortest segment of the small intestine. It receives partially digested food (known as chyme) from the stomach and plays a vital role in the chemical digestion of chyme in preparation for absorption in the small intestine. Many chemical secretions from the pancreas, liver and gallbladder mix with the chyme in the duodenum to facilitate chemical digestion.


Next, the chyme is slowly transported from the pylorus (a valve at the end portion of the stomach) through the pyloric sphincter into the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum where further digestion occurs. The duodenum, just eight to nine inches long is where more chemicals of digestion are added. The Ampule of Papilla (Ampulla of Vater above) is located in the duodenum wall. This is an opening where, bile from the gallbladder and enzymes and bicarbonate from the pancreas enter the duodenum. They combine with the chyme to begin the final part of digestion in the small intestines. Enzymes are also excreted through the walls of the duodenum to assist with this digestion. The inside wall of the duodenum has a smooth surface like the skin on your face. It is at this point that the acidic chime must be alkalized so the assimilation of this nutrient filled liquid is as complete as possible. In addition, this alkalization is very important so that the acid from the stomach is neutralized and will not burn the walls of the small intestine.