Small Intestine Anatomy Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

The Small Intestine

Has finger-like projections called villi to increase surface area for absorption of nutrients
Divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

Duodenum

First part of the small intestine
Located between the stomach and jejunum
Receives bile from the gallbladder and digestive juices from the pancreas
Mixes food with stomach acid, bile, and digestive juices

Jejunum

Middle section of the small intestine, about 2 meters long
Main function is absorption of important nutrients like sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids

Ileum

Last part of the small intestine
Connects to the cecum (first part of the large intestine)
Absorbs nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins) and water from food

The Large Intestine

Absorption of water continues until feces reaches a semisolid consistency
5 feet (150 cm) long

The Rectum and the Anal Canal

Rectum is a straight, 8-inch chamber that connects the colon to the anus
Receives stool from the colon and holds it until evacuation
Anus is the last part of the digestive tract, a 2-inch-long canal consisting of pelvic floor muscles and two anal sphincters (internal and external)

Accessory Organs

Teeth are responsible for mechanical digestion of food in the mouth (mastication)
Types of teeth: incisors, canine, premolars, and molars
Salivary glands produce secretions that contain the enzyme amylase to break down complex sugars
Pancreas produces trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins, amylase for carbohydrates, and lipase for fats
Liver produces bile that helps digest fats
Gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver for lipid digestion

Digestive System Overview

Responsible for the process of digestion or breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream
Comprises mechanical digestion in the mouth and chemical digestion in the gastrointestinal tract
Provides energy and necessary nutrients for bodily processes like movement, growth, repair, and reproduction

Description

This quiz covers the structure and function of the small intestine, including the duodenum and jejunum, and their roles in chemical digestion and nutrient absorption. Learn about the importance of villi and the digestive process. Test your knowledge of the small intestine!