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
Other Organs Involved in Small Intestine Function
The liver, pancreas and gallbladder produce and store juices for digestion in the small intestine. The liver produces bile to break down fats. Between meals, the bile is stored in the gallbladder, which releases it into the small intestine with the next meal.
The pancreas secretes insulin into the small intestine to aid carbohydrate digestion. If the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin, or if carbohydrate consumption is high, sugar spills into the bloodstream, eventually causing diabetes.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
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