Page 29 - E-book Digestive System

4. Small Intestine
The small intestine is one of the organs in the digestive system that functions
to break down and absorb nutrients from the food and drinks consumed. These
nutrients will later be used for the formation and repair of cells and maintenance
of body tissues. The small intestine is divided into 3 parts, namely Duodenum (12
fingers intestine) because it is about 12 fingers long aligned adults. Jejenum
(empty intestine) due to people who have died the intestine is empty. Ileum (gut
absorption) because this is where food substances absorbed by the body.
Digestion in the intestine is also assisted by the pancreas. Organ it can act as an
endocrine gland by producing hormones insulin and acts as an exocrine gland by
producing sap digestive system in the form of trypsin, amylase, and lipase.
a. Insulin functions to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
b. Trypsin functions to break down proteins into peptones.
c. Amylase functions to convert starch into maltose.
d. Lipase functions to convert fat into fatty acids and glycerol

Figure 12. Anatomy intestine

The breakdown of nutrients in the small intestine continues the digestive
process using enzymes secreted by the pancreas and bile from the liver. This
enzyme is responsible for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from
food. In addition, the bacteria in the small intestine also produce enzymes to
digest carbohydrates. Then in the process absorption of nutrients in the small
intestine. After food is broken down, the walls of the small intestine then absorb
water and nutrients from the food into the bloodstream. Meanwhile, the remains
of food that is not digested or absorbed will be carried to the large intestine.

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