The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) that extends from the pyloric sphincter to the ileocecal valve, where it empties into the large intestine. The small intestine finishes the process of digestion, absorbs the nutrients, and passes the residue on to the large intestine. The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are accessory organs of the digestive system that are closely associated with the small intestine.

 

The small intestine is divided into three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The small intestine follows the general structure of the GI tract in that the wall has a mucosa with simple columnar epithelium, submucosa, smooth muscle with inner circular and outer longitudinal layers, and serosa. The absorptive surface area of the small intestine is increased by plicae circulares, villi, and microvilli.

 

Exocrine cells in the mucosa of the small intestine secrete mucus, peptidase, sucrase, maltase, lactase, lipase, and enterokinase. Endocrine cells secrete cholecystokinin and secretin.

 

The most important factor for regulating secretions in the small intestine is the presence of chyme. This is largely a local reflex action in response to chemical and mechanical irritation from the chyme and in response to distention of the intestinal wall. This is a direct reflex action, thus the greater the amount of chyme, the greater the secretion.

 

Size, location, and structure of the small intestine

2.5 centimeters wide and 6 meters long

Fills most of the abdomen

Begins at the pyloric sphincter and ends with its connection to the large intestine at the ileocaecal valve

3 parts:

      duodenum
      jejunum
      ileum

 

Function of the small intestine

Forward propulsion of contents

Major site of digestion

90% absorption

Protection against infection

Hormone secretion

Intestinal juice secretion