Why is the small intestine important?
1 Answer
Small intestine is involved in both digestion and absorption of food.
Explanation:
Small intestine receives half digested food from stomach in the form of acidic chyme. In the lumen of small intestine alkaline juices of liver and pancreas are poured. Together with enzymatic juice secreted from wall of small intestine itself, the juices help in complete breakdown of dietary carbs, proteins and fats.
Simpler substances produced after complete digestion are absorbed by wall of small intestine. To increase surface area of absorption there are villi and microvilli which are supplied by blood capillaries from underneath.
It is important to note that a prominant lymphatic vessel is present within each villi where fat and fat soluble vitamins are transferred from intestinal lumen.
