What is the distal duodenum?
Category:
medical health
digestive disorders
The duodenum is the initial C-shaped segment of the small intestine and is a continuation of the pylorus. Distally, it is in continuation with the jejunum and ileum, with the proximal segment being the shortest and widest. In Latin, the term "duodenum" means 12 fingers, which is roughly the length of the duodenum.
Then, what is the duodenum and what does it do?
Duodenum. The duodenum is the first and shortest segment of the small intestine. It receives partially digested food (known as chyme) from the stomach and plays a vital role in the chemical digestion of chyme in preparation for absorption in the small intestine.
Then, what are the 4 parts of the duodenum?
The duodenum is described as having four parts:
- Part one, superior part (SD)
- Part two, descending part (DD)
- Part three, horizontal part (HD)
- part four, ascending part (AD)
Duodenitis is inflammation occurring in the duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine. Severe illness and prolonged use of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, or tobacco may also lead to duodenitis. Less commonly, Crohn's disease can cause duodenitis.