10 FAQs About the Duodenum

By christine

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Collins, Jason T. 'Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Small Intestine.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 Aug. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459366/
• 2. Lopez, Peter P. 'Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Duodenum.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Aug. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482390/
• 3. Khanna, Seema, et al. 'Distal Duodenal Obstruction: a Surgical Enigma.' The Indian Journal of Surgery, Springer India, June 2017, [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5473798/.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5473798/.)
• 4. Shuck, Jerry M. Duodenal Diverticula. Surgical Treatment: Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6891/

Medical Expert

More About Us

The human body comprises a wide range of parts. Many people are aware of the small and large intestines. But they might not know the specific names for each section of the digestive tract. For example, the duodenum is the first segment of the small intestine.

The section of the digestive system is one of three parts to the small intestine. It connects the liver and jejunum, which is the middle portion of the small intestine. The duodenum's primary responsibility is to break down food continuously. Additionally, the area is also susceptible to trauma and disease that can be life threatening.¹Collins, Jason T. ‘Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Small Intestine.’ StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 Aug. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459366/

It's The First Part of the Small Intestine

The duodenum is a short area of the small intestines. There are four sections of the 25 to 30 cm long part of the small intestine. It's the C-shaped portion of the digestive tract. The duodenum is the shortest segment of the small intestine and a continuation of the pylorus, opening from the stomach. This connecting area is referred to as the antrum.

Despite the modest size of the duodenum, the small intestine is massive, covering three to five meters of the digestive system. It blends into the second portion of the small intestine, the jejunum.