vékonybélen

Vékonybél is the Hungarian term for the small intestine. This vital organ is a long, coiled tube where most of the digestion and absorption of food takes place. It extends from the stomach to the large intestine and plays a crucial role in breaking down nutrients from the food we eat and transferring them into the bloodstream for the body to use.

The small intestine is divided into three main parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The duodenum receives partially digested food from the stomach and mixes it with digestive juices from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. These juices contain enzymes that further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The jejunum is where most of the nutrient absorption occurs, with its walls lined by millions of tiny finger-like projections called villi and even smaller microvilli, which greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. The ileum, the final section, primarily absorbs vitamin B12, bile salts, and any remaining nutrients.

The muscular walls of the vékonybél contract and relax in a process called peristalsis, which moves the food along its length. This efficient process ensures that food remains in contact with the absorptive surfaces for a sufficient amount of time. Disorders affecting the vékonybél can lead to malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, and other digestive issues.