7.5.1

Small Intestine

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Small Intestine

The small intestine is a long, coiled organ in the human digestive system. After food is broken down in the stomach, the small intestine absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream.

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Absorption of nutrients

  • The small intestine is the main site of absorption of nutrients.
  • The inner surface has tiny, finger-like projections called villi to increase surface area, speeding up absorption.
  • Nutrients absorbed include:
    • Glucose and amino acids → into the blood
    • Fatty acids and glycerol → into the lymph
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Absorption of water

  • Most of the body’s water is absorbed in the small intestine.
    • This water comes from the liquids we drink and the water content of our food.
  • Some additional water absorption also happens in the colon (large intestine) as the final stage of digestion.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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