The small intestine is one of the main organs of the digestive system in the human body. This is due to its great importance and many functions. Food passes through the small intestine; To decompose into a liquid and absorb most of its nutrients, then pass the waste to the large intestine (colon).

What is the small intestine?

The small intestine is called the Small Intestine, and it is the longest organ of the digestive system. It is a long, narrow, twisted, folded or coiled tube that extends from the stomach to the large intestine (colon), and is found in the central and lower abdominal cavity.

parts of the small intestine

The small intestine consists of:

1. Duodenum

The duodenum is the smallest part of the small intestine, only 10 to 15 inches long, and starts where the stomach ends to the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, where it connects to the jejunum.

2. Jejunum

The jejunum is the upper part of the small intestine, which is connected to the duodenum at one end and the ileum at the other. The jejunum constitutes about 40% of the small intestine in humans.

3. The ileum

The ileum is located at the end of the small intestine, where it opens into the large intestine. At the junction between the ileum and the first part of the large intestine, the ileocecal valve is located. The ileum constitutes about 60% of the small intestine in humans.

small intestine function

In general, the small intestine has the following functions:

• turning food into liquid; To absorb nutrients including fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
• Obtaining digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver (via the pancreas and common bile ducts); To break down food, making it more digestible.
• helps maintain fluid balance; It absorbs a lot of the water the body ingests, and some other elements such as sodium.
• They help fight disease-causing bacteria ingested with food with the help of the body’s immune system cells.

In particular, the small intestine has other functions that depend on its parts, such as:

The function of the duodenum in the small intestine includes:

It breaks down ingested food, absorbs iron, and uses bicarbonate (from the pancreas); To start the stomach acid equation process before food reaches the fasting person.

The function of the jejunum in the small intestine, which includes:

Absorption of nutrients such as sugar, amino acids and fatty acids (more than 95%) from digested food.

The function of the ileum in the small intestine, which includes:

Continue the absorption process, including vitamin B12 and bile salts.

Diseases of the small intestine

Common medical conditions include:

Strengthening the small intestine

Intestinal health can be strengthened and maintained by following the following health guidelines:

• Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grainsThis helps provide the intestines with adequate fiber, thus feeding the good bacteria that are beneficial to the body.
• Drink more waterBoth fiber and water help keep your bowel movements regular, which may help treat rapid bowel movements.
• Moderation in taking medicationsNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, may erode the stomach lining and lead to duodenal ulcers.

Bowel exercises

Exercising is one of the solutions used to revitalize the body and get rid of digestive and intestinal disorders. They include:

• Practice brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day, by walking at your normal pace for 5 minutes, then increasing the speed, and finally slowing down again.
• Certain yoga poses can also be beneficial. It reduces stress and increases blood flow to the digestive system, which stimulates the intestines to contract.
• Doing pelvic floor exercises, which support the organs inside the pelvis and lower abdomen, including the intestines.

Difference between small and large intestine

The large intestine is much wider than the small intestine, and takes a more straight path through the abdomen. The large intestine absorbs water and salts from undigested materials in the food, in addition to getting rid of any remaining waste.

How long is the small intestine?

The length of the small intestine is about 6 to 7 meters (approximately 20 to 25 ft), and after death this length can increase by almost half, to over 200 metres.

What is the diameter of the human small intestine?

The diameter of the small intestine is about 2.5 cm or 0.98 inch, and its diameter (orifice lumen) is smaller than that of the large intestine; Therefore it is referred to as the small intestine.