Duodenum

Duodenum: Main characteristics and functions

The duodenum, also known as duodenum, is the first segment of the small intestine and plays an important role in the digestive process. Its name comes from the Latin term "duodenum", meaning "twelve fingers", as it is approximately the same length as the distance between the tip of the thumb and the wrist of an adult's outstretched hand.

Anatomically, the duodenum begins immediately behind the pyloric sphincter, which separates it from the stomach. It connects to the gallbladder and pancreas, receiving bile and pancreatic enzymes necessary for further digestion of food. The duodenum consists of four parts: suprapyloric, pyloric, main and terminal parts.

One of the main functions of the duodenum is to continue the digestion process begun in the stomach. Here food is broken down under the influence of pancreatic enzymes and bile acids. The duodenum also plays an important role in the absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals from the nutritional buffer obtained from the stomach.

During the digestion process, the duodenum performs another important function - regulating the release of food buffer into the small intestine. It controls the rate of passage of food and mechanically stirs and mixes with pancreatic enzymes and bile to provide optimal conditions for further digestion and absorption.

In addition, the duodenum plays a role in regulating the pH of the nutritional buffer. It secretes the hormone secretin, which stimulates the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate and alkaline solutions to neutralize the acid coming from the stomach. This helps maintain an optimal environment for pancreatic enzymes to function and protects the small intestinal lining from acid damage.

Possible problems associated with the duodenum include ulcers, inflammation (duodenitis) and other diseases. Duodenal ulcers can be caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, as well as certain medications or stress. Treatment for such conditions may include the use of antibiotics to kill the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, as well as drugs that reduce stomach acid.

In conclusion, the duodenum plays an important role in the digestive process by continuing the digestion of food, absorbing nutrients, and regulating the release of food buffers into the small intestine. Its functions and anatomical location make it vulnerable to various diseases and conditions, but modern diagnostic and treatment methods can effectively manage such problems and ensure the health of the digestive system.

Источники:

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3. Feldman, M., Friedman, L. S., & Brandt, L. J. (Eds.). (2015). Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.