Biology

Small Intestine

Contents

Introduction to small intestineParts of small intestineGallbladderPancreas

Small intestine• The small intestine is a part of the

digestive system and connects the stomach and large intestine.

• It’s average length is 6m. 6.9 for male,7.1 for female.

The main function

• break down the food molecules that you eat with enzyme.

• Small intestine divided into three parts: Duodenum Jejunum Ileum

Parts of small intestineDuodenum:• Located between the stomach and the middle part of the

small intestine.• About 25 – 30 cm in length.• Responsible for breaking down food in the small intestine,

using enzymes (digestion). • Fat are mechanically digested by ''bile'' a secretion from the

liver.• Pancreatic enzyme called ''lipase'' breaks down fat into fatty

acids and glycerol.

Jejunum:• It's located between duodenum and ileum.• Its length is around 2.5 m.• It has a pH of around 7 to 8, that is, it is either neutral or

slightly alkaline in nature.• It is wrapped by smooth muscle that helps to move food

forward, which is known as peristalsis.• The microscopic structure of the jejunum consists of mucous

membrane, which contains projections known as villi.• The villi in the jejunum are longer than the villi in the ileum.

Parts of small intestine

Ileum:• It's the last part of small intestine follows by jejunum.• It's the longest part of small intestine around 2 – 4 m in

length.• Its main function is the absorb vitamin B12, bile salts,

along with whatever is not absorbed by jejunum.• The wall of the ileum is also made up of many villi, which

as in the jejunum.

Pancreas• The pancreas is a 18 to 25 cm long organ located behind

the stomach in the back of the abdomen.• Produces important enzymes and hormones that help

break down foods. • Enzymes, or digestive juices, produced by the pancreas

are secreted into the small intestine to further break down food after it has left the stomach.

• There are two main types of tissue found in the pancreas: exocrine tissue and endocrine tissue.

What does pancreas look like?

• It is spongy and shaped somewhat like a fish that is extended horizontally across the abdomen.

• The head of the pancreas is the largest part and lays on the right side of the abdomen.

• The tail or body of the pancreas is the narrowest part, extends to the left side of the abdomen next to the spleen.

What problems are associated with the pancreas?

• If a pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes can lead to weight loss and diarrhea and also may cause many serious illness because of poorly absorbed food.

• For example: Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm originating from transformed cells arising in tissues forming the pancreas. It’s often linked to smoking or heavy drinking. Other risk factors include diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, liver problems, and stomach infections. Pancreatic cancer is also more common in men than women.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not appear until the cancer is in advanced stages - often too late for successful treatment.

The condition often presents:• Pain in the upper abdomen from the tumor pushing against

nerves• Jaundice • Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting• Significant weight loss and weakness• Acholic stool (pale or grey stool) and steatorrhea (excess fat in

stool)

Treatment

• Treating pancreatic cancer is very difficult. Patients usually receive surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments. Often, the treatment is palliative which is focusing on reducing pain.

How can I maintain a healthy pancreas?

• Maintaining a sensible, balanced diet and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking will help keep the pancreas healthy and functioning.

Gallbladder

• Gallbladder is a small organ that helps to digest fat molecules and stored bile which produced by liver.

• In adults, the gallbladder measures approximately 8 centimeters in length and 4 centimeters in diameter.

• It is divided into three sections: fundus, body, and neck.• Its function is to store bile for the liver and deliver it to the

small intestine (duodenum) when it’s needed.

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