Small intestine structure and function

Question 1

How long is the small intestine?

Answer 1

6 metres average (can be as long as 9m)

Question 2

How long are the different segments of the small intestine?

Answer 2

Duodenum- 25cm
Jejunum - 2.5m
Ileum - 3.5m

Question 3

What is the function of each segment of the small intestine?

Answer 3

Duodenum - acid neutralisation, digestion, iron absorption
Jejunum - nutrient absorption
Ileum - Na/H20 absorption (chyme dehydration)

Question 4

How much H20 is secreted into the small intestines each day?

Answer 4

1500ml

Question 5

What cell in small intestine secretes H2O?

Answer 5

H2O secretion comes from epithelial cells lining crypts of Lieberkuhn

Question 6

What are the two types of intestinal movement?

Answer 6

Peristalsis

Segmentation

Question 7

What is the purpose of segmentation?

Answer 7

Mixing of chyme with enzymes and acid

Question 8

What hormone is involved in peristalsis?

Answer 8

Motilin initiates migrating motility complex needed for peristalsis