Duodenum
The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, connecting the stomach to the jejunum. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat.
Structure of the Duodenum
The duodenum is divided into four parts: the superior part, descending part, horizontal part, and ascending part. It is approximately 25-30 cm long and is C-shaped, surrounding the head of the pancreas.
Functions of the Duodenum
- Receives Chyme: The duodenum receives partially digested food, known as chyme, from the stomach.
- Neutralizes Gastric Acid: The acidic chyme entering the duodenum is neutralized by bicarbonate secreted by the pancreas, creating a more favorable environment for the action of digestive enzymes.
- Secretion of Digestive Enzymes: The duodenum receives digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver and gallbladder, which aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Absorption of Nutrients: The duodenum absorbs nutrients such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, as well as the products of carbohydrate and protein digestion.
Study Guide
When studying the duodenum, it's important to focus on the following key points:
- Structure of the duodenum and its parts
- Functions of the duodenum in digestion and absorption
- The role of bile and pancreatic enzymes in the duodenum
- How the duodenum contributes to nutrient absorption
Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the duodenum is essential for comprehending the processes involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.
Feel free to use this study guide as a reference while preparing for your biology studies!
.◂Biology Worksheets and Study Guides High School. The science of biology
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The science of biology 
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The science of biology Worksheet/Answer key
The science of biology
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Nature of Science
The Practice of Science - A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity; The processes of science include the formulation of scientifically investigable questions, construction of investigations into those questions, the collection of appropriate data, the evaluation of the meaning of those data, and the communication of this evaluation. B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of ''the scientific method.'' C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific knowledge. D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes, but also in its questions and explanations.
Define a problem based on a specific body of knowledge, for example: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science, and do the following:
Use tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data (this includes the use of measurement in metric and other systems, and also the generation and interpretation of graphical representations of data, including data tables and graphs)
Describe and explain what characterizes science and its methods.