Reference notes
The essentials
Coiled below the stomach and framed by the colon.
- Size
- About 6 to 7 m when extended
- Weight
- Varies with contents
- Daily
- Hosts trillions of microorganisms
- Location
- Central and lower abdomen
- Blood supply
- Superior and inferior mesenteric arteries
- Function
- Digestion and nutrient absorption
Read all anatomy notes · 7
Duodenum
The first part of the small intestine, where bile and pancreatic juice arrive.
Jejunum
The middle section, where most nutrients are absorbed.
Ileum
The last part of the small intestine, absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.
Appendix
A small pouch off the caecum; it inflames in appendicitis.
Transverse colon
Crosses the abdomen, reabsorbing water from what remains.
Sigmoid colon
The S-shaped final bend before the rectum.
Superior mesenteric artery
Supplies much of the small intestine and the proximal colon.