Small Intestine Disease

Abstract

The small intestine is the digestive tract between the pylorus and ileocecal valve. It consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and is approximately 6m long in adults. The organ is served by complex networks of blood vessels, lymphatic systems, nerves and muscles for nutrient degradation and absorption. Villi is the most critical anatomical structure of the small intestine to increase the area of absorption. This chapter introduces the anatomy of the small intestine, the structure of the intestinal walls, and the distribution of blood vessels and innervation. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.