How does the length of the small intestine relate to its function in absorbing nutrients?

Answer 1

the reason the small intestine is so long is because it abosorbs nutrient to keep u healty !!!!the small intestine is roughly 250 m long (the size of a tenis court)The nutrient the small intestine absorbes are; water,electrolytes,carbs(after digestion to monosaccharides) protein (if the stomach didnt get it all),lipids(fats),vitamins and minerals.

Answer 2

The small intestine is an extremely vital organ in your gastrointestinal system. Along with the stomach, it is the major organ involved in the process of digestion. A large variety of nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, and many vitamins and minerals are absorbed by your small intestine. If your small intestine where to stop working properly, you could rapidly become malnourished.

Measuring over 6 meters in length, the small intestine stretches from your stomach to the beginning of your large intestine. it is broken in to three distinct zones - the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ilium. The surface area of the small intestine is not sufficient to absorb all of the nutrients your body needs. Therefore, the structure of the small intestine contains millions of microscopic folds which act to increase the surface area. The inner surface of the small intestine contains numerous finger-like projections, known as villi. Each of these villi contain many more folds, known as micro-villi.

Carbohydrates are absorbed by the small intestine. The small intestine is also responsible for absorbing proteins. The final nutrient which is absorbed in the small intestine is fat. There are numerous other vitamins and minerals which are absorbed by the small intestine. All of the water soluble vitamins, such as the B vitamins, are also absorbed in the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for much of the absorption of water needed by your body.

If the small intestine were any shorter, digesting food wouldn't have enough time passing through the small intestine for the small intestine to complete its task; extract nutrients, proteins and vitamins from the food. That's why the average human's small intestine is longer than them; usually 6 meters long!

Some of the possible complications due to short Bowel syndromeAnemia, with weakness and fatigue due to inadequate absorption of vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid Diarrhea.

Steatorrhea (excessive amount of fat in the stool), and abdominal distention with cramps, bloating, and gas due to impaired water and carbohydrate absorption.

Irritation from unabsorbed fatty acids. The individual may also report explosive diarrhea with greasy, foul-smelling stools.

Edema (fluid retention in the body's tissues) due to decreased protein absorption.

Malnutrition and weight loss due to decreased fat, carbohydrate, and protein absorption. Weight may be 80-90% of usual weight despite increased oral intake of nutrients.

Muscle cramping due to decreased vitamin D, calcium, and potassium levels. Muscle wasting and atrophy due to decreased protein absorption and metabolism.

Perianal skin burning, itching, or soreness due to frequent loose stools.

Irregular heart rhythms may also result from inadequate levels of potassium and other electrolytes.

Blood clotting disorders may occur due to a vitamin K deficiency.

Fluid and nutrient monitoring and replacement is essential for any individual with malabsorption of the small bowel.

Medical CareHospitalization may be required when severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances occur.

If the patient is able to eat, the diet and supplements should provide bulk and be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. The patient should be encouraged to eat several small, frequent meals throughout the day, avoiding fluids and foods that promote diarrhea. Intake and output should be monitored.

Individuals with malabsorption must be monitored for dehydration, including dry tongue, mouth and skin; increased thirst; low, concentrated urine output; or feeling weak or dizzy when standing.

The individual should also be alert for signs of nutrient, vitamin, and mineral depletion, including nausea or vomiting; fissures at corner of mouth; fatigue or weakness; dry, pluck able hair; easy bruising; tingling in fingers or toes; and numbness or burning sensation in legs or feet.

Fluid volume excess, as a result of diminished protein stores, may require fluid intake restrictions.

Answer 3

small intestine absorbs nutrients, while the large intestine absorbs water from waste products

Answer 4

The longer the intestine the more time it has to absorb the digested food

Answer 5

The small intestine absorbs nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. It contains millions of microscopic folds that increases its surface area to help absorb these.

Answer 6

The small intestine has many folds that are covered by villi. This increases the small intestine's surface area, making it well-suited for nutrient absorption.

Answer 7

Because the longer the length of the small intestine, the more surface area and more time there is for nutrients to be absorbed

Answer 8

Most of the absorption of digested food occurs in the small intestine.

The undigested and indigestible food substances reach the large intestine (colon)which is about 1.5m long.