Anatomy & Physiology of Lower GI 2

The jejunum is the main site for absorption of the following

• Glucose

• Water

• Fatty acids

• Amino acids

The functions of the colon include the following

• Absorption of water

• Absorption of sodium

• Absorption of calcium

• Absorption of potassium

The intestinal flora is

• found in the duodenum

• Needed for normal digestion

• found in the colon

• Mainly pathogenic bacteria

The colonic mucosal cells are very efficient in

• Converting primary bile acids into secondary bile acids

• Converting bilirubin into stercobilinogen

• Absorption of aromatic amino acids

• Absorption of sodium

The small intestine

• Is shorter than the large intestine

• Its internal surface area is smaller than the large intestine

• It absorbs less water than the large intestine

• It contains bacteria as found in the large intestine

The duodenum and jejunum are the main site for absorption of the following

• Glucose

• Vitamin C

• Fat-soluble vitamins

• Iron