Why is small intestine important

This is a direct reflex action, thus the greater the amount of chyme, the greater the secretion. The large intestine is larger in diameter than the small intestine. It begins at the ileocecal junction , where the ileum enters the large intestine, and ends at the anus. The large intestine consists of the colon , rectum , and anal canal.

The wall of the large intestine has the same types of tissue that are found in other parts of the digestive tract but there are some distinguishing characteristics. The mucosa has a large number of goblet cells but does not have any villi.

The longitudinal muscle layer, although present, is incomplete. The longitudinal muscle is limited to three distinct bands, called teniae coli, that run the entire length of the colon. Contraction of the teniae coli exerts pressure on the wall and creates a series of pouches, called haustra, along the colon. Epiploic appendages, pieces of fat-filled connective tissue , are attached to the outer surface of the colon.

The ileum is the third part of the small intestine. It absorbs bile acids and vitamin B12, which are needed by the body for various functions. The jejunum is the second part of the small intestine. The inside walls of the jejunum have many circular folds, which make its surface area large enough to absorb all of the nutrients that the body needs.

After food is processed in the small intestine, it passes into the large intestine also called the large bowel or colon. The large intestine, which is about 5 feet long, extracts most of the water from the food and distributes the liquid to the body; the remaining material passes through the colon and out of the body as feces stool.

Learn more about the intestine. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.

For more information, see Website Privacy. Skip to navigation menu Skip to content. About 10, people were diagnosed with some type of small intestine cancer in , with about 1, people dying from the disease. According to Harvard Health Publishing , there are many ways to help keep the small intestine, as well the rest of the gastrointestinal track, healthy. Those include not smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced and healthy diet, drinking enough water, exercising regularly and reducing stress.

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Langone Health suggests that in addition to taking preventative measures, it's also important to get screened for gastrointestinal abnormalities regularly, especially if there is a family history of disorders or cancer in the GI tract.

Probiotics and occasional bowel stimulants may also help keep the small intestine healthy. But it is important to discuss these options with your doctor to find the best option and avoid any unnecessary side effects.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. This article was updated on Oct. Live Science.