Small Intestine Flashcards
The small intestine is the main site for what
Nutrient absorption
Name the 3 sections that the small intestine is divided into
Duodenum, jejunum and ileum
What does the duodenum contain
Bile duct from the liver and the pancreatic duct from the pancreas
The epithelium of the small intestine is folded into what
Villi
What are the individual intestinal epithelial absorptive cells called
Brush border cells
What do the brush border cells compromising each villus posses
Microvilli
What is the main function of the villi and microvilli
Create a greater surface area
The intestinal brush border cells contain what 3 enzymes
Disaccharides, lipases and proteinases
What do disaccharides aid in
Digestion of carbohydrates and sugars
Each villus contains what
Blood capillary system and lymphatic vessel (lacteal)
What is the function of the blood capillary system in the villus
Absorb amino acids from proteins and simple sugars from carbs into the blood
What is the function of the lacteal
Absorbs fats into the lymphatic system
What are crypts and what do they do
Pits within the small intestinal mucosa and secrete intestinal juice
Duodenal glands secrete what
An alkaline, bicarbonate rich mucus that helps neutralise the acid entering from the stomach
What do goblet cells in the GI tract aid
Produce mucus which aids in lubricating the passage of food and goblet cells protect the epithelium from HCL secreted by parietal cells
