The Gastrointestinal System - small intestine

Question 1

What is the jejunum?

Answer 1

The jejunum is the direct continuation of the duodenum.

Question 2

What proportion is the jejunum of the small intestine?

Answer 2

• The jejunum accounts for approximately the first three fifths of the small intestine, after which it becomes the ileum.

Question 3

Where does the ileum terminate?

Answer 3

• The ileum terminates at the caecum, the beginning of the large bowel

Question 4

What is the small intestine suspended by?

Answer 4

• The small intestine is suspended by a fold of the peritoneum, called the mesentery.
• Note that blood vessels pass to the small intestine through its mesentery. These are branches of the superior mesenteric artery.