jejunum
Small intestine section
The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine, between the duodenum and the ileum.
Most nutrient absorption occurs here.
The name comes from a Latin word meaning empty or fasting—early anatomists found this section empty in cadavers because its contents moved through quickly.
Last small intestine segment
- duodenumInitial small intestine
- mesenteryTissue suspending intestines internally
- villiIntestinal absorptive protrusions
- mucosaMoist organ lining
submucosa · serosa · muscularis · microvilli · lacteal · digestive tract · gastrointestinal · small intestine
Vital dietary substances
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
minerals · electrolytes · water · folic acid · iron · calcium · carbohydrates · proteins
Autoimmune intestinal gluten reaction
- Crohn's diseaseChronic intestinal inflammation disorder
- malabsorptionFailed intestinal nutrient uptake
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- giardiasisProtozoan intestinal infection
Reaction-speeding proteins
- chymePartially digested stomach contents
- peristalsisInvoluntary digestive muscle waves
- peptidaseBond-cleaving enzyme
- lactaseMilk sugar enzyme
sucrase · maltase · lipase · bile · pancreatic juice · hydrolysis · segmentation · digestive enzymes
ileum
Last small intestine segment
- duodenumInitial small intestine
- mesenteryTissue suspending intestines internally
- villiIntestinal absorptive protrusions
mucosa · submucosa · serosa · muscularis · microvilli · lacteal · digestive tract · gastrointestinal · small intestine · gut
nutrients
Vital dietary substances
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
vitamins · minerals · electrolytes · water · folic acid · iron · calcium · carbohydrates · proteins · bioavailability
celiac disease
Autoimmune intestinal gluten reaction
- Crohn's diseaseChronic intestinal inflammation disorder
- malabsorptionFailed intestinal nutrient uptake
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
enzymes
Reaction-speeding proteins
- chymePartially digested stomach contents
- peristalsisInvoluntary digestive muscle waves
- peptidaseBond-cleaving enzyme
lactase · sucrase · maltase · lipase · bile · pancreatic juice · hydrolysis · segmentation · digestive enzymes · breakdown