The process of absorption of nutrients from food and drink is part of the function of the small intestine. This is what makes the small intestine has an important role in the digestive process. To find out more about the function and how the small intestine works, see the following explanation.
The small intestine is one of the organs in the digestive system that functions to break down and absorb nutrients from the food and drinks consumed. These nutrients will be used for the formation and repair of cells and maintenance of body tissues.
Various Organs in the Digestive System and Their Functions
The intestines in the human body are connected from the end of the stomach to the anus. Intestinal organs are divided into two parts, namely the small intestine and large intestine.
The small intestine is about 6 m long and 2.5 cm in diameter. The small intestine consists of three parts, namely the duodenum (the duodenum), the jejunum (the empty intestine), and the ileum (the absorptive intestine).
Most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food and drink occurs in the small intestine.
Meanwhile, the large intestine has a length of about 1.5 m with a diameter of 7.5 cm. The large intestine is responsible for processing food remnants that cannot be digested or absorbed by the small intestine.
The large intestine is also in charge of absorbing water and electrolytes from food waste that has been digested by the small intestine and processing food waste into feces and then expelling it through the anus.
FunctionSmall Intestines in Food Digestion Process
The human digestive process begins when food is bitten, chewed, and mashed in the mouth. During the chewing process, saliva production will increase to soften the food, making it easier to swallow.
In addition, the enzyme content in saliva also plays a role in breaking down food into nutrients that are easily processed by the intestines.
Swallowed food and drink will pass through the esophagus, then into the stomach. In the stomach, food is broken down and broken down by acids and enzymes produced by the stomach into a thick liquid or paste.
Furthermore, the food will be pushed and ready to be processed in the small intestine. Arriving in the small intestine, food that has gone through a series of processes in the stomach will meet with enzymes and other substances, such as bile, which comes from the cells of the intestine, bile, liver, and pancreas.
These substances will break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into simpler compounds, so that they can be absorbed and utilized by the body. For example, protein will be broken down into amino acids, carbohydrates into glucose, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Next, the process of absorption of nutrients in the small intestine begins. Nutrients that have been broken down into these smaller substances, then slide through the inner wall of the small intestine which is filled with tiny projections called villi. Villi also consist of smaller protrusions called microvilli.
The combination of villi and microvilli can increase the surface area of the small intestine. This is what makes the absorption of nutrients to be maximized. The rest of the food that is not absorbed by the small intestine will go to the large intestine and pushed to the rectum.
If your rectum is completely filled with stool, you will feel heartburn and an urge to have a bowel movement.
Disorders of the Small Intestine and How to Prevent It
Like other organs in the body, the function of the small intestine can also be impaired due to certain conditions or diseases. Some health problems that often occur in the small intestine include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Intestinal obstruction
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn's disease
- celiac disease
- Colon cancer
To prevent disturbances in the function of the small intestine due to these conditions, you are advised to consume lots of water and fiber foods. Avoid high-fat foods because they can increase the risk of colon cancer.
If there are signs or symptoms that suggest small bowel disorders, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain that persists, drastic weight loss, or bloody stools, consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.