What is the structure of the small intestine?

Answer 1

Small intestine

Made up of three segments - the duodenum, jejunum, and

ileum - the small intestine is a 22-foot long muscular tube that breaks down

food using enzymes released by the pancreas and bile from the liver. Peristalsis

also is at work in this organ, moving food through and mixing it with digestive

secretions from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum is largely responsible for

the continuous breaking-down process, with the jejunum and ileum mainly

responsible for absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Contents of the small intestine start out semi-solid, and end in a liquid

form after passing through the organ. Water, bile, enzymes, and mucous

contribute to the change in consistency. Once the nutrients have been absorbed

and the leftover-food residue liquid has passed through the small intestine, it

then moves on to the large intestine, or colon.