headaches, and other conditions.
SMALL INTESTINES
The small intestines make up the first part of the bowel structure. The small
intestines are smaller in diameter than the colon, but are four to six times as
long. There are three distinct sections that make up the small intestines, each
having its own job to do.
Duodenum
This first section of the small intestine is approximately 8-11 inches long.
Through the common bile duct it receives digestive enzymes, alkalizing
sodium of bicarbonate from the pancreas, and alkalizing bile from the
gallbladder/ liver. The major portion of this section of the small intestines is
primarily digestive and alkalizing. Hormone secretion is also an aspect of the
duodenum.
Duodenum Hormones
PEPTIDE
Stimulates the release of pertidase to finish final protein digestion into amino
acids
SECRETIN
Stimulates sodium of bicarbonate and bile for alkalization and fat breakdown
CHOLECYSTOKININ
Stimulates pancreatic enzymes and contracts the gallbladder for bile
extraction
Duodenum Enzymes
PEPTIDASE
Completes protein breakdown into amino acids
SUCRASE, MALTASE AND LACTASE
(lactase only to age 3) Change complex sugars into monosaccharides or
simple sugars