duodenumand

Duodenumand is not a recognized term in human anatomy or medicine. It appears to be a typographical error or a concatenation of "duodenum" with the word "and" rather than a distinct anatomical entity. This article uses the established term duodenum to provide a concise overview of this organ.

The duodenum is the first and shortest portion of the small intestine. In adults it measures about 25 to 30 centimeters and forms a C-shaped curve that wraps around the head of the pancreas in the upper abdominal region. It is conventionally divided into four parts: superior, descending, horizontal, and ascending. The descending part contains the major and minor duodenal papillae, where bile and pancreatic secretions enter the lumen via the common bile duct and pancreatic duct.

Functionally, the duodenum receives chyme from the stomach and mixes it with bile and pancreatic juice. Bicarbonate from the pancreas neutralizes stomach acid, creating a suitable pH for enzymatic digestion. The duodenum initiates digestion and absorbs a portion of nutrients, including iron and calcium, while still passing chyme to the more distal small intestine.

Vascularization is provided mainly by the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, with venous drainage to the hepatic portal system. Innervation includes parasympathetic supply from the vagus nerve and sympathetic fibers from the celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses.

Clinically, the duodenum is commonly affected by peptic ulcers, inflammatory conditions (duodenitis), and obstructive processes. Its proximity to the stomach, pancreas, and biliary tract makes it a critical site for digestive physiology and disease.