Module 3: The gastrointestinal system

The small intestine is a long, coiled tube that extends about 6 meters connecting
the stomach to the large intestine. It is the longest section of the GIT and is divided
into three main regions: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The primary function
of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients. To achieve this, the small
intestine has a large surface area that is covered with tiny, finger-like projections
called villi. The villi are covered with even smaller projections called microvilli, which
increase the surface area even further. The walls of the small intestine have a strong
circular muscle layer that contracts and relaxes in a coordinated manner called
peristalsis. This rhythmic movement propels food towards the large intestine. In
addition to peristalsis, the small intestine has segmental contractions that create a
slow, wave-like movement to help mix food with gastric juices and break down
nutrients for absorption. In contrast, the large intestine has a much more limited
role in digestion and absorption; and a much lower rate of peristalsis. Its primary
function is to absorb water and electrolytes from indigestible food residues and to
store wastes until they can be eliminated.

Learning objectives

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Describe the structure and functions of small and large intestines.

Explain the differences in motility between the small and large intestines.

The small intestine

The small intestine is the main site of

chemical digestion and the site where
nutrient absorption takes place. It begins
at the pyloric sphincter where the
duodenum receives chyme from the
stomach. It is the longest section of the
GIT.

The small intestine is divided into three

main sections:

Duodenum - about 25 cm long

Jejunum - about 4m long

Ileum - about 2.5m long

Image source: Illustration of the small intestine, by 7activestudio, Adobe Stock, modified.

The small intestine is efficient in the absorption of nutrients due to an extensive

surface area (see figure below). First, there are gross circular folds, then
microscopic finger-like projections lining the lumen - called villi (see middle panel
below). Lastly, the epithelial absorptive cells form a columnar epithelium with
microvilli - the 'brush border' (see last panel below).

Click on the image for a larger view (opens in a new tab)

Image source: 'Histology of the Small Intestine'. Access for free at

https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e

The duodenum is the first portion of the small intestine. Partially digested food,
known as ‘chyme’ from the stomach, enters the duodenum. The duodenum contains
Brunner’s glands (intestinal crypts, as seen in the above figure), which secrete an
alkaline, mucus-rich secretion to neutralise the acidic gastric contents and protect
the duodenum lining from acidity.

It is in the Ileum that chemical digestion and absorption is completed. Any

undigested material or waste is propelled into the large intestine where it is excreted
through the anus. The small intestine absorbs ~6.5 L/day of the ~8.5-L of fluid that
passes through.

Watch the following video to further your learning about the intestines.

The Intestines
Start of transcript. Skip to the
end.

 So in this video, we'll

talk a little bit about our

intestines and we'll start with
the small intestines.

So chyme that exits our

stomach, enters the small
intestines here,

 0:00 / 12:22  1.0x     which is the primary site of

digestion and absorption.

Transcripts
 Download SubRip (.srt) file
 Download Text (.txt) file

The large intestine

The large intestine is the major site of water reabsorption. It is also important in storing
faecal matter before defecation.

The large intestine is divided

into 6 sections:

Caecum about 6cm

long

Ascending,

transverse, descending and

sigmoid colon about 150cm

long

Rectum about 20cm long

Image source: "Large Intestine'. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-

physiology-2e

The mucosa of the large intestine is relatively flat (no villi). There are many intestinal
glands that secrete mucous to facilitate movement of solid faecal matter. The large
intestine only absorbs water, salt (NaCl) and electrolytes and harvests vitamin B and
K. The enterocytes do have microvilli, but they do not absorb other nutrients.

The large intestine is home to the gut microbiome, which consists of over a
thousand different types of bacteria. These bacteria help metabolise mucin
(macromolecules in mucous) and ferment indigestible carbohydrates.

The large intestine uses both peristalsis and propulsive motility actions to move the
waste material to the anus for defecation. The colon absorbs ~1.9 L of fluid per day.