The jejunum is the middle section of your small intestine. It's located between the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and the ileum (the last part). The jejunum plays a crucial role in the digestive process, primarily focusing on the absorption of vital nutrients.
Understanding the Jejunum
- Location: The jejunum is situated in the middle portion of the small intestine, connecting the duodenum and the ileum.
- Length: It constitutes approximately two-fifths of the small intestine's total length.
- Function: Its primary function is the absorption of nutrients from digested food. This includes vital substances like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are then transported to the rest of the body.
- Structure: The jejunum's lining is characterized by a large surface area, rich in villi and microvilli, which maximizes nutrient absorption. This increased surface area contributes to its efficient absorption capabilities.
- Differences from other intestinal segments: Unlike the duodenum, which primarily focuses on initial digestion, and the ileum, which absorbs vitamin B12 and bile salts, the jejunum excels at nutrient uptake. The jejunum's wall is also more compliant than the ileum's, as evidenced by studies on atresia (a blockage in the intestine). (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19253501/)
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides comprehensive definitions for medical terms, including the jejunum. (https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/jejunum) Cleveland Clinic further explains the small intestine's anatomy and function, highlighting the jejunum's position within the overall digestive system. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22135-small-intestine) Other sources like Verywell Health (https://www.verywellhealth.com/jejunum-what-is-the-jejunum-3157103), Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/jejunum), and Merriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jejunum) offer additional details on the jejunum's definition and role in digestion.
