DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION IN SMALL INTESTINES

 

INTRODUCTION: The secretion of the epithelium of the intestinal glands is stimulated by the presence of food in the duodenum. The intestinal enzymes are the peptidases and sucrase, maltase, and lactase. Peptidases complete the digestion of protein by breaking down short polypeptide chains to amino acids. Sucrase, maltase, and lactase, respectively, digest the disaccharides sucrose, maltose, and lactose to constituent monosaccharides. The enteroendocrine cells of the intestinal glands secrete the hormones of the small intestine. Secretion is stimulated by food entering the duodenum.

ABSORPTION OF DIGESTIVE PRODUCTS: Most absorption of the end products of digestion takes place in the small intestine, although the stomach does absorb water and alcohol. The process of absorption requires a large surface area, which is provided by several structural modifications of the small intestine; Plica circulares, or circular folds, are macroscopic folds of the mucosa and submucosa, somewhat like accordion pleats. The mucosa is further folded into projections called villi, which give the inner surface of the intestine a velvetlike appearance. Each columnar cell with exception of the mucus-secreting goblet cells, of the villi also has microvilli on its free surface. Microvilli are microscopic folds of the cell membrane, and are collectively called the brush border. All of these folds greatly increase the surface area of the intestinal lining. The absorption of nutrients takes place from the lumen of the intestine into the vessels within the villi. Water-soluble nutrients are absorbed into the blood in the capillary networks.

MECHANISM OF ABSORPTION: Monosaccharides, amino acids, positive ions, and the water-soluble vitamins that is, vitamin C and the B vitamins, are absorbed by active transport. Negative ions may be absorbed by either passive or active transport mechanisms. Water is absorbed by osmosis following the absorption of minerals, especially sodium. Certain nutrients have additional special requirements for their absorption: For example, vitamin B12 requires the intrinsic factor produced by the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa, and the efficient absorption of calcium ions requires parathyroid hormone and vitamin D.

Fat-soluble nutrients are absorbed into the lymph in the lacteals of the villi. Bile salts are necessary for the efficient absorption of fatty acids and the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Once absorbed, fatty acids are recombined with glycerol to form triglycerides. These triglycerides then form globules that include cholesterol and protein; these lipid–protein complexes are called chylomicrons. In the form of chylomicrons, most absorbed fat is transported by the lymph and eventually enters the blood in the left subclavian vein. Blood from the capillary networks in the villi does not return directly to the heart but first travels through the portal vein to the liver. This pathway enables the liver to regulate the blood levels of glucose and amino acids, store certain vitamins, and remove potential poisons from the blood.

RELATED;

1.  DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS OF PANCREATIC JUICE

2.  PHASES OF METABOLISM

3.  ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

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