small intestine
A+ users
Chat with our AI personalities
The small intestine is part of the digestive tract or gut. It is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food occurs.
Another name for the gut is the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) or digestive system.
Water is primarily absorbed in the small intestine of the digestive tract.
The digestive tract consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The process of digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and saliva production and continues through the various organs to break down food into nutrients for absorption.
A gut is the internal digestive tract of an organism, while a body cavity is a fluid-filled space within the body that contains and protects organs. The gut is a specific organ system responsible for digestion, while body cavities serve a more general protective function.
Enteral nutrition involves feeding through the digestive tract, while parenteral nutrition is delivered intravenously. Enteral nutrition is preferred when possible as it maintains gut function and reduces infection risk. Parenteral nutrition is used when the digestive tract cannot be used. Patient outcomes are generally better with enteral nutrition due to its ability to maintain gut health and function.