At anatomy lessons, students study in detail the structure of the human intestine in pictures. And this is not surprising, because this organ is not only the last link in the digestive system that provides the conclusion of food, but also performs a number of functions that are most important for the human body. So, it supplies the necessary nutrients, provides the person with immunoglobulins. The total length of the intestine is approximately 7-8 m. This size of the organ does not surprise people who studied the structure of man. The intestine is divided into separate sections, which have their own special (albeit similar) structure and functions.
Small intestine
Immediately from the stomach comes the so-called small intestine. Its total length is 4-5 m, but it is placed inside the abdominal cavity with loops. The small intestine is divided into the duodenum, longitudinal and jejunum. At the beginning, the small intestine is about 3-4 cm in diameter, and at the end, 2-2.5 cm. The duodenum contains special openings - exits for the ducts of the gallbladder and liver. Nature made sure that the structure of man was correct. Due to this, the intestines can easily break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. During the day, the human body produces about 3 liters of intestinal alkaline juice, which helps to cope with the digestion of food.
The structure of
the human intestine suggests the presence of peculiar villi inside the small intestine. They themselves contain small lymphatic and blood vessels into which minerals, vitamins and other necessary substances are absorbed.
Particular emphasis should be placed on the protective function of the small intestine. It concerns not only the production of immunoglobulins, but also the protection of a person from poisoning. The thing is that the walls of the intestine contain lymph nodes that neutralize toxic substances.
Colon
The conclusion of undigested food helps to ensure the perfect structure of a person. The intestines play a key role in this process. The department entrusted with this important mission is called fat. It consists of three more sites: the cecum, colon, and also the rectum. Their total length is 1.5 m. The first of them continues the tube of the small intestine, but a shutter is placed between them, which prevents the return of food back. The total length of the cecum is 8 cm.
It contains a very small (0.5 cm) process called the appendix. In its walls there is a large number of lymph nodes, and it is a natural antimicrobial barrier. In the appendix, Escherichia coli multiply - an important component of the immune system. When the process is removed, the structure of the person is disturbed, while the intestine ceases to fully protect the body. Immune system problems may occur.
Rectum and colon
The intestine contains a colon in which feces are formed. Unlike thin, it does not contain villi. It has more mucus, which helps the feces to easily move to the next section - the rectum. This section is not quite straight, because it contains an expanded part called an ampoule. The intestine ends with the passage of the rectum into the anal canal. The frequency of stool depends on many factors, but in normal condition it is 1 time in 2-3 days, or daily.