Some believe that the duodenum is the colon, is this true? To know what the duodenum is and its place in the body, and what is its function and the diseases that may affect it? Read on.

What are the twelve?

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, and it gets its name because of its size. In Latin, the name duodenum translates to 12 fingers, which is the approximate length of the organ.

duodenal length

The duodenum is about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) long, though it is the smallest part of the small intestine in length, compared to the jejunum, which is about 2.5 m (about 8 ft) long.

place of the twelve

The small intestine is located below the stomach, and the duodenum is one of the parts of the small intestine, which is connected to the stomach, and is called in English (Duodenum), and bears the shape of the letter C (C) or a horseshoe.

The duodenum can be separated into four parts, each part having a different anatomical shape and performing a different function. The duodenal parts include the following:

• The first part of the duodenum: It is the upper part of the duodenum, and is connected to the liver by the hepatic duodenal ligament.
• The second part of the duodenum: This downward part of the duodenum is located above the right kidney, and is connected to the pancreas through a small tube called the pancreatic duct.
• The third part of the duodenum: This transabdominal section lies horizontally from the duodenum in front of the aorta, and travels from right to left behind a network of blood vessels.
• The fourth part of the duodenum: It is the part that extends upwards from the duodenum, and passes above or slightly to the left of the aorta, until it finally reaches the jejunum.

In addition, the lining of the duodenum consists of four layers, each with its own function as well. The following layers include:

• The mucosa layer: It’s the innermost layer, and it’s made up of mucous glands and microvilli (finger-like projections that suck up nutrients).
• The submucosa layer: Made up of connective tissue, it contains a rich network of blood vessels and nerves that travel the length of the duodenum, and it also contains glands called Brunner’s glands.
• The outer muscular layer: Consisting of smooth muscle tissue, it is responsible for contractions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
• serosal layer: It is the outermost layer of the duodenum, and consists of a single layer of flat cells; To provide a barrier for other members.

function of the duodenum

The primary function of the small intestine is to break down food and absorb nutrients from it that the body needs. The function of the duodenum includes:

1. It neutralizes the acidic content of chewing food with a chemical called bicarbonate, making it ready for further digestion.
2. The muscles of the duodenum move the embryo, mixing it with digestive enzymes, which helps food move along the alimentary canal to the jejunum.
3. contains Brunner’s gland, which secretes mucus; To help food move easily through the duodenum.
4. Receiving food that has been mixed and broken down from the stomach.
5. Digestion continues by using bile from the liver to help break down fats, in addition to digestive enzymes from the pancreas, and intestinal juices secreted by the walls of the duodenum.
6. Absorption of certain nutrients, such as folic acid, iron and vitamin D3.
7. They act as a barrier to prevent harmful microbes from entering the body, as they contain beneficial bacteria, so pathogens (germs) have a hard time multiplying there.

Diseases of the duodenum

Duodenal diseases are a common source of abdominal discomfort for many people, and cases include the following:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)which may cause inflammation of the duodenum or stomach, as one type of enteritis (Crohn’s disease) affects only the duodenum.
• Celiac diseaseThis is a condition that specifically affects the duodenum, as a result of the harmful effects of consuming gluten or wheat products.
• DuodenitisThis condition may occur due to increased consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Duodenal ulcersThese are lesions that form in the lining of the duodenum.
• Duodenal cancer.