Small Intestine

The small intestine is a crucial part of the digestive system, responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption from food. It is a long, coiled tube located in the lower abdomen, between the stomach and the large intestine.

Anatomy of the Small Intestine

The small intestine is divided into three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The duodenum is the first section and is where most of the chemical digestion takes place. The jejunum is the middle section and is the primary site for nutrient absorption. The ileum is the final section and plays a role in absorbing nutrients and transferring undigested food to the large intestine.

Functions of the Small Intestine

The main functions of the small intestine include:

Digestion: The small intestine plays a crucial role in breaking down food into smaller molecules through the action of enzymes and bile.
Nutrient Absorption: Most of the absorption of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, occurs in the small intestine.
Transportation: The small intestine helps move the digested food along its length, allowing for further processing and absorption.

Study Guide

To study the small intestine, it's important to focus on the following key points:

The anatomy of the small intestine, including its three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
The functions of the small intestine, particularly its role in digestion and nutrient absorption.
The process of digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, including the involvement of enzymes and bile.
The importance of the small intestine in the overall digestive process and its contribution to maintaining overall health.

Understanding the small intestine is essential for comprehending the digestive system as a whole and appreciating the significance of nutrient absorption in sustaining life.

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Our impact on earth

Vocabulary/Answer key

Our impact on earth

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Analyze and interpret data (e.g., tables, graphs, maps of global and regional temperatures; atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; rates of human activities) to describe how various human activities (e.g., use of fossil fuels, creation of urban heat islands, agricultural practices) and natural processes (e.g., solar radiation, greenhouse effect, volcanic activity) may cause changes in local and global temperatures over time.

Earth and Human Activity

Analyze evidence (e.g., databases on human populations, rates of consumption of food and other natural resources) to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities (e.g., land use, resource development, water and air pollution, urbanization) affect Earth’s systems.

Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment (e.g., water usage, including withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or construction of dams and levees; land usage, including urban development, agriculture, or removal of wetlands; pollution of air, water, and land).