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Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

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 small...
Histology of the Small Intestine01:27

Histology of the Small Intestine

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...
Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine01:20

Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine

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...
Carbohydrate Absorption01:25

Carbohydrate Absorption

Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that serve as the body's primary energy source. Their digestion begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase partially breaks down complex carbohydrates such as starch into smaller oligosaccharides. This mechanical and enzymatic activity prepares carbohydrates for further processing in the gastrointestinal tract.
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption01:22

Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, extending from the mouth to the anus, plays a pivotal role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. This process involves both mechanical and chemical actions facilitated by various enzymes.
Digestion begins in the mouth, where food undergoes mechanical breakdown by chewing and combines with saliva. Salivary amylase, an enzyme in saliva, starts the breakdown of starches into maltose. The food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
In the stomach, a...
Absorption of Nutrients01:19

Absorption of Nutrients

Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches to Determine Intestinal Epithelial Cell Permeability
10:22

In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches to Determine Intestinal Epithelial Cell Permeability

Published on: October 19, 2018

Intestinal absorptive function

R C Spiller1

  • 1Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham.

Gut
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

The gut efficiently absorbs sodium through specific intestinal regions. Surgical removal of these areas can cause sodium depletion, impacting nutrient absorption and transit.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Physiology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • The small intestine exhibits high sodium permeability, with significant sodium influx from secretions.
  • The ileum and proximal colon are crucial for active sodium absorption, balancing influxes.
  • Surgical resection of these distal regions can lead to sodium depletion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the physiological adaptations of the gut to intermittent feeding and sodium handling.
  • To understand the impact of surgical interventions on intestinal function, particularly sodium absorption and nutrient transit.
  • To investigate the role of luminal nutrients and fiber in regulating digestive processes and brush border enzyme activity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of sodium flux dynamics in different intestinal segments.

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Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

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10:22

In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches to Determine Intestinal Epithelial Cell Permeability

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  • Examination of feedback control mechanisms regulating chyme delivery.
  • Assessment of brush border hydrolase activity in response to luminal nutrient concentrations.
  • Evaluation of the effects of viscous fiber on nutrient absorption and transit.

    • Main Results:

    • Large sodium fluxes occur in the upper small intestine, balanced by absorption in the ileum and colon.
    • Resection of sodium-absorbing regions leads to sodium depletion.
    • Nutrient feedback mechanisms in the duodenum and ileum control nutrient delivery.
    • Enteral feeding restores brush border hydrolase activity impaired by malnutrition or total parenteral nutrition.
    • Viscous fiber influences absorption and transit, though mechanisms require further study.

    Conclusions:

    • The gut possesses sophisticated mechanisms for sodium absorption and nutrient processing, adapted to intermittent feeding.
    • Surgical alterations to the intestine can disrupt these mechanisms, leading to physiological imbalances.
    • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for managing gastrointestinal disorders and optimizing nutritional interventions.