Small Intestine Function Overview
Article Sources
- 1. ’The Structure and Function of the Digestive System.’ Cleveland Clinic, www. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7041-the-structure-and-function-of-the-digestive-system
- 2. Collins J; Nguyen A; Badireddy M. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Small Intestine.’ National Institutes of Health, www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083773
- 3. ’Krause W. Brunner’s glands: a structural, histochemical and pathological profile.’ National Library of Medicine, www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11148980
- 4. ’Your Digestive System and How it Works.’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works
- 5. ’Easton J. ‘Specific bacteria in the small intestine are crucial for fat absorption.’ The University of Chicago, uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/gastrointestinal-articles/specific-bacteria-in-the-small-intestine-are-crucial-for-fat-absorption
- 6. ’Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.’ Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth/symptoms-causes/syc-20370168
Function of the Nerves in the Small Intestine
Nerves in the abdomen and brain transmit and receive impulses that aid in digestion. For example, special nerves in the brain react to seeing and smelling food and trigger the digestive process.
Other nerves included in the enteric nervous system, or ENS, lie within the walls of the small intestine. The ENS reacts when food enters the small intestine and releases substances that speed up or slow down digestion.4’Your Digestive System and How it Works.’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works
Advertisement
