small intestines
Nutrient absorption tubes
Small intestines is the plural of small intestine, the long, coiled tube between the stomach and large intestine where most digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.
Despite the name, it's the longer of the two intestines—"small" refers to its narrower diameter.
The small intestines can stretch over twenty feet in an adult.
Initial small intestine
- jejunumSecond small intestine portion
- ileumLast small intestine segment
- villiIntestinal absorptive protrusions
- microvilliMicroscopic membrane protrusions
mucosa · serosa · mesentery · lumen · submucosa · muscularis · crypts of Lieberkühn
Partially digested stomach contents
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
- peristalsisInvoluntary digestive muscle waves
- bileLiver-made digestive fluid
- pancreatic juiceDigestive enzymes from organ behind stomach
amylase · lipase · protease · peptidase · maltase · lactase · sucrase · breakdown
Intestinal microbial community
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
- celiac diseaseAutoimmune intestinal gluten reaction
- Crohn's diseaseChronic intestinal inflammation disorder
- leaky gutCompromised bowel lining
malabsorption · giardia · probiotics · gastroenterologist · irritable bowel · enteritis
Vital dietary substances
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
minerals · electrolytes · bloodstream · capillaries · lymphatic system · permeability · osmosis
Edible animal organs
- tripeStomach lining or nonsense
- chitterlingsPig intestines as food
- chitlinsPrepared porcine intestines
- sausage casingEdible tube for filling
haggis · sweetbreads · menudo · tripas
duodenum
Initial small intestine
- jejunumSecond small intestine portion
- ileumLast small intestine segment
- villiIntestinal absorptive protrusions
microvilli · mucosa · serosa · mesentery · lumen · submucosa · muscularis · crypts of Lieberkühn
chyme
Partially digested stomach contents
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
- peristalsisInvoluntary digestive muscle waves
- bileLiver-made digestive fluid
pancreatic juice · amylase · lipase · protease · peptidase · maltase · lactase · sucrase · breakdown · segmentation
gut flora
Intestinal microbial community
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
- celiac diseaseAutoimmune intestinal gluten reaction
- Crohn's diseaseChronic intestinal inflammation disorder
leaky gut · malabsorption · giardia · probiotics · gastroenterologist · irritable bowel · enteritis
nutrients
Vital dietary substances
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
vitamins · minerals · electrolytes · bloodstream · capillaries · lymphatic system · permeability · osmosis
offal
Edible animal organs
- tripeStomach lining or nonsense
- chitterlingsPig intestines as food
- chitlinsPrepared porcine intestines
sausage casing · haggis · sweetbreads · menudo · tripas
small intestineslarge intestine
Lower digestive tract portion
colon · large bowel · rectum · cecum · ascending colon