What Is the Duodenum?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. Functions of the Duodenum
The most important function of the duodenum is breaking down of foods getting into the small intestine. This happens by the action of enzymes.
The duodenum is also responsible for regulating the amounts of food passing from the stomach to the small intestine courtesy of the activity of the two hormones called secretin and cholecystokinin, which are secreted by duodenal epithelial cells in response to certain acidic and fatty stimulants. These stimulants are released when the pylorus dilates.
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