Latest revision as of 14:18, 21 February 2025

Duodenum[edit]

The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including humans. It is a hollow jointed tube connecting the stomach to the jejunum.

Anatomy[edit]

The duodenum is approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) long and is shaped like a "C". It is divided into four parts:

The superior part
The descending part
The horizontal part
The ascending part

The duodenum is located in the upper abdomen and is mostly retroperitoneal, meaning it is located behind the peritoneum.

Histology[edit]

Histological section of the duodenum showing the villi.

The duodenum has a unique histological structure that includes:

Villi: Finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption.
Microvilli: Microscopic projections on the surface of the villi.
Brunner's glands: Located in the submucosa, these glands secrete an alkaline mucus that helps neutralize gastric acid.

Microvilli of the duodenum under a microscope.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the duodenum is to receive the chyme from the stomach and continue the process of digestion. It also plays a crucial role in:

Neutralizing stomach acid
Mixing chyme with digestive juices from the pancreas and bile from the liver
Absorbing nutrients such as iron and calcium

Clinical Significance[edit]

The duodenum can be affected by various diseases and conditions, including:

Duodenal ulcer: A common form of peptic ulcer disease.
Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine.
Giardiasis: An infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia.

Development[edit]

The duodenum develops from the foregut and midgut during embryogenesis. It is initially a solid cord of cells that later becomes a hollow tube.

Related Pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Diagram showing the position of the duodenum in the digestive system.
Anatomy of the small intestine, including the duodenum.
Illustration of the duodenum and its relation to surrounding organs.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Duodenum''' is the first part of the [[small intestine]] immediately beyond the [[stomach]], leading to the [[jejunum]]. It plays a vital role in the digestion of food in the [[human digestive system]].
+= Duodenum =
+The '''duodenum''' is the first section of the [[small intestine]] in most higher vertebrates, including humans. It is a hollow jointed tube connecting the [[stomach]] to the [[jejunum]].
 == Anatomy ==
-The duodenum is a C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped structure approximately 10-12 inches long. It is located in the upper abdomen, and the concavity of the horseshoe is where the head of the [[pancreas]] is nestled.
+[[File:Tractus_intestinalis_duodenum.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of the duodenum and surrounding structures.]]
+The duodenum is approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) long and is shaped like a "C". It is divided into four parts:
+# The superior part
+# The descending part
+# The horizontal part
+# The ascending part
+The duodenum is located in the upper abdomen and is mostly retroperitoneal, meaning it is located behind the [[peritoneum]].
+== Histology ==
+[[File:Dogduodenum100x3.jpg|thumb|left|Histological section of the duodenum showing the villi.]]
+The duodenum has a unique histological structure that includes:
+* [[Villi]]: Finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption.
+* [[Microvilli]]: Microscopic projections on the surface of the villi.
+* [[Brunner's glands]]: Located in the submucosa, these glands secrete an alkaline mucus that helps neutralize gastric acid.
+[[File:Microvilli-Duodenum.JPG|thumb|right|Microvilli of the duodenum under a microscope.]]
 == Function ==
-The primary function of the duodenum is to continue the process of breaking down food, using enzymes secreted by the pancreas and bile from the [[liver]]. The duodenum also regulates the rate of emptying of the stomach via hormonal pathways.
+The primary function of the duodenum is to receive the chyme from the stomach and continue the process of digestion. It also plays a crucial role in:
-== Diseases of the Duodenum ==
+* Neutralizing stomach acid
+* Mixing chyme with digestive juices from the [[pancreas]] and [[bile]] from the [[liver]]
+* Absorbing nutrients such as iron and calcium
-Several diseases can affect the duodenum, including [[peptic ulcers]], [[duodenitis]], and [[celiac disease]].
+== Clinical Significance ==
-=== Peptic Ulcers ===
+[[File:Small_bowel_duodenum_with_amyloid_deposition_congo_red_10X.jpg|thumb|left|Duodenum with amyloid deposition.]]
-[[Peptic ulcers]] are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus.
+The duodenum can be affected by various diseases and conditions, including:
-=== Duodenitis ===
+* [[Duodenal ulcer]]: A common form of [[peptic ulcer disease]].
+* [[Celiac disease]]: An autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine.
+* [[Giardiasis]]: An infection caused by the parasite ''Giardia lamblia''.
-[[Duodenitis]] is inflammation of the duodenum, which can be acute or chronic.
+[[File:Giardiasis_duodenum_low.jpg|thumb|right|Duodenum affected by giardiasis.]]
-=== Celiac Disease ===
+== Development ==
-[[Celiac disease]] is a serious autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
+The duodenum develops from the foregut and midgut during embryogenesis. It is initially a solid cord of cells that later becomes a hollow tube.
-== See Also ==
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Small intestine]]
+* [[Jejunum]]
+* [[Ileum]]
 * [[Stomach]]
 * [[Pancreas]]
-* [[Liver]]
-* [[Peptic ulcers]]
-* [[Duodenitis]]
-* [[Celiac disease]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+== Gallery ==
+<gallery>
+File:Gray1058.png|Diagram showing the position of the duodenum in the digestive system.
+File:Blausen_0817_SmallIntestine_Anatomy.png|Anatomy of the small intestine, including the duodenum.
+File:Gray533.png|Illustration of the duodenum and its relation to surrounding organs.
+</gallery>
 [[Category:Digestive system]]
-[[Category:Medical terms]]
+[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
-{{stub}}

Duodenum: Difference between revisions