The small intestine is the part of the intestines where 90% of the digestion and absorption of food occurs, the other 10% taking place in the stomach and large intestine. The main function of the small intestine is absorption of nutrients and minerals from food.
What do small intestines do?
The small intestine has three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. It helps to further digest food coming from the stomach. It absorbs nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins) and water from food so they can be used by the body. The small intestine is part of the digestive system.
What are the 3 functions of the small intestine?
Overall, the function of the small intestine is to:
- Churn and mix ingested food, making it into chyme.
- Move the food along its entire length (into the colon)
- Mix ingested food with mucus (making it easier to move)
- Receive digesting enzymes from the pancreas and liver (via the pancreatic and common bile ducts)
