vékonybélet

Vékonybél is the Hungarian term for the small intestine, a vital organ in the digestive system. It is a long, coiled tube, approximately 6 to 7 meters in length in adults, that extends from the stomach to the large intestine. The primary function of the vékonybél is to absorb nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream.

The vékonybél is divided into three distinct sections: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The duodenum, the shortest section, receives partially digested food from the stomach and mixes it with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. These enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The jejunum is the middle section where most of the nutrient absorption takes place. Its inner lining is covered in villi and microvilli, finger-like projections that greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. The ileum, the final section, primarily absorbs vitamin B12, bile salts, and any remaining nutrients that were not absorbed by the jejunum.

The muscular walls of the vékonybél contract and relax in a process called peristalsis, which propels the food forward through the digestive tract. The inner surface is also bathed in a digestive fluid that aids in breaking down food. Malabsorption syndromes can occur if the vékonybél is unable to properly absorb nutrients, leading to various health issues.