Patkóbélben

Patkóbélben refers to the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine in the digestive system. It extends from the pylorus of the stomach to the jejunum. This C-shaped organ plays a crucial role in the chemical digestion of chyme, the partially digested food that leaves the stomach.

The duodenum receives partially digested food from the stomach and mixes it with digestive juices from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets. Pancreatic enzymes, secreted by the pancreas, further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules that can be absorbed. The intestinal wall itself also produces enzymes that complete the digestive process.

The duodenum is also responsible for absorbing nutrients, although the majority of absorption occurs in the jejunum and ileum. Its unique structure, with numerous folds, villi, and microvilli, significantly increases the surface area available for nutrient absorption. The acidic chyme entering the duodenum is neutralized by bicarbonate ions secreted by the pancreas and intestinal glands, creating an optimal pH for enzyme activity. Diseases affecting the duodenum include duodenitis (inflammation), peptic ulcers, and duodenal cancer.