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Related Concept Videos

Histology of the Small Intestine01:27

Histology of the Small Intestine

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The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
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Mechanical and Chemical Digestion in the Small Intestine01:30

Mechanical and Chemical Digestion in the Small Intestine

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The small intestine plays a crucial role in our digestive system, performing both mechanical and chemical digestion.
Mechanical digestion in the small intestine involves movements such as segmentations and migrating motility complexes (MMCs), primarily controlled by the myenteric plexus. Segmentations are localized contractions occurring in areas of the intestine distended by chyme—a mixture of partially digested food. These contractions mix chyme with digestive juices, facilitating...
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Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

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Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
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Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine01:20

Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine

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The large intestine is where the final stages of digestion happen. When the cecum receives chyme, it contains undigested carbohydrates that undergo fermentation. Gut bacteria ferment these carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids that provide some energy and help synthesize essential vitamins.
As the chyme moves to the colon, it triggers two characteristic sluggish contractions - haustral churning and mass peristalsis. Haustral churning involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation...
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Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

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The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
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Small Intestine01:15

Small Intestine

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The small intestine is primarily responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption. It spans from the pyloric sphincter to the ileocecal valve and connects to the large intestine.
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique...
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Comparative <i>In Vitro</i> Analysis of Five Starch Sources: Nutrient Release Patterns and Functional Effects in a Simulated Gastrointestinal Environment.

Foods (Basel, Switzerland)·2026
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Recycling of Undigested Proteins Provided by the Host to the Large Intestine Microbiota: Implication for Intestinal Bacterial Anabolism, Growth, and Physiology.

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Bone Growth and Development in Different Breeds of Piglets at the Early Age Is Associated with Mineral Deposition.

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Beneficial Effects of Fermented Blueberry Pomace Supplementation on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Antioxidant Capacity of Spent Hens.

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Correction: Qin et al. Dietary Fermented Blueberry Pomace Supplementation Improves Small Intestinal Barrier Function and Modulates Cecal Microbiota in Aged Laying Hens. <i>Animals</i> 2024, <i>14</i>, 2786.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Two-dimensional Porcine Intestinal Organoids Reflecting the Physiological Properties of Native Gut
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Two-dimensional Porcine Intestinal Organoids Reflecting the Physiological Properties of Native Gut

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Small Intestinal Digestive Functions and Feed Efficiency Differ in Different Pig Breeds.

Yating Cheng1,2, Sujuan Ding1,2, Md Abul Kalam Azad1,2

  • 1Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|April 13, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Different pig breeds show distinct small intestinal development and digestive capabilities, impacting growth performance and nutrient utilization. These variations are linked to differences in digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters within the small intestine.

Keywords:
digestive functionfeed efficiencynutrientspig breedsmall intestine

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Digestive Physiology
  • Comparative Animal Nutrition

Background:

  • Small intestinal morphology and function are crucial for digestion and absorption.
  • Limited data exists on breed-specific differences in small intestinal traits among pigs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between feed efficiency and small intestinal morphology and function in Taoyuan black (TB), Xiangcun black (XB), and Duroc (DR) pigs.
  • To identify breed-specific differences in growth performance and small intestinal characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • 90 pigs (30 per breed) were reared from 35 to 185 days of age.
  • Evaluated growth performance, plasma parameters, jejunal enzyme activities, and nutrient digestibility at 80, 125, and 185 days.
  • Assessed small intestinal villus height and nutrient transporter expression.

Main Results:

  • TB and XB pigs exhibited lower growth performance and certain plasma lipid levels but higher jejunal enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility at 80 days compared to DR pigs.
  • Digestibility and plasma parameters varied across breeds and ages, with TB and XB pigs generally showing lower overall digestibility by 185 days.
  • Breed differences in plasma amino acids, small intestinal villus height, and nutrient transporter expression were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Pig breed significantly influences growth performance and small intestinal development.
  • Variations in digestive enzyme activity and nutrient transporter expression are key drivers of breed-specific digestive capabilities and growth.
  • Findings highlight the importance of breed characteristics in optimizing pig nutrition and production.