Stomach and Duodenum

Stomach

The stomach is a J-shaped muscular pouch that is situated in the upper left part of the abdominal cavity behind the lower ribs. It connects to the esophagus above and the duodenum below. The primary function of the stomach is to receive the food and break it down.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine is called the duodenum. This C-shaped structure is 10 inches long and also the shortest and widest part of the small intestine. Bile and pancreatic duct open into the second portion of the duodenum. Once the partially digested food enters from the stomach, it mixes with digestive juice and the digestion process continues. The enzymes in the duodenum are responsible for the digestion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates found in the chyme before it advances into the small intestines.

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