Small Intestine By Kendall Horner

Focus Questions 1) What are the main functions of the small intestine? 2) Where is the small intestine located?

Anatomy Tube measuring 2.5 cm in diameter Approximately 20 ft. long – coiled Comprised of three parts – Duodenum (25 cm), Jejunum (200 cm), Ileum (300 cm) Extends from the stomach to the large intestine The mesentery -- a thin membranous material that supports and suspends the small intestines

Functions Mechanical digestion: Segmentation mixes the chyme with enzymes from the small intestine and pancreas. Bile separates fat into smaller globs and peristalsis moves the chyme through the small intestine. Chemical Digestion: Enzymes from the small intestine and pancreas break down all four groups of molecules (polysaccharides, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids) Absorption: The primary location in the GI tract for absorption of nutrients including Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, lipids and fat-soluble vitamins, water, and electrolytes

Location Lower half of the thoracic cavity Surrounded by ascending, descending, and transverse colon Beneath the stomach and the pancreas

Small intestine Cancer A rare disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the small intestine 5 types – adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and lymphoma Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of small intestine caner and it starts in the glandular cells in the lining of the small intestine. Especially dangerous because it can grow and block the large intestine Most of the tumors occur in the part of the small intestine near the large intestine

Signs and Symptoms Abdominal pain Unexplained weight loss A lump in the abdomen Cramping in the abdomen

Diagnosis Physical exam: An exam of the body to check general signs of health including checking for signs of the disease such as lumps or anything else abnormal. Blood chemistry studies: A blood sample that is checked to measure the all substances are in normal quantities. Liver functions Test: A blood sample that is checked to measure the substances that are released into the blood by the liver. A high amount of that substance can be a sign of liver disease – a sign of small intestine cancer. Abdominal X-ray: Makes sure there are no abnormalities

Treatments Radiation Therapy: Uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells Resection: Removes the part of the Organ that has the disease Bypass: Allows food in the small intestine to go around for tumors that can’t be removed Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells

The largest internal organ in the body is the small intestine and is as big as three full grown men Small Intestine Cancer

Real life small intestine Blood vessels that surround the small intestine

Small Intestine Ultrasound of Small Intestine

Work Cited http://cancerinfo.tri-kobe.org/for_patient/pdq/summary/EN/CDR0000350260.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_intestine http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/S/small_intestine.html