1. Small Intestine
By Kendall Horner

2. Focus Questions 1) What are the main functions of the small intestine?
2) Where is the small intestine located?

3. Anatomy Tube measuring 2.5 cm in diameter
Approximately 20 ft. long – coiled
Comprised of three parts – Duodenum (25 cm), Jejunum (200 cm), Ileum (300 cm)
Extends from the stomach to the large intestine
The mesentery -- a thin membranous material that supports and suspends the small intestines

4. Functions
Mechanical digestion: Segmentation mixes the chyme with enzymes from the small intestine and pancreas. Bile separates fat into smaller globs and peristalsis moves the chyme through the small intestine.
Chemical Digestion: Enzymes from the small intestine and pancreas break down all four groups of molecules (polysaccharides, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids)
Absorption: The primary location in the GI tract for absorption of nutrients including Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, lipids and fat-soluble vitamins, water, and electrolytes

5. Location Lower half of the thoracic cavity
Surrounded by ascending, descending, and transverse colon
Beneath the stomach and the pancreas

6. Small intestine Cancer
A rare disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the small intestine
5 types – adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and lymphoma
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of small intestine caner and it starts in the glandular cells in the lining of the small intestine. Especially dangerous because it can grow and block the large intestine
Most of the tumors occur in the part of the small intestine near the large intestine

7. Signs and Symptoms Abdominal pain Unexplained weight loss
A lump in the abdomen
Cramping in the abdomen

8. Diagnosis
Physical exam: An exam of the body to check general signs of health including checking for signs of the disease such as lumps or anything else abnormal.
Blood chemistry studies: A blood sample that is checked to measure the all substances are in normal quantities.
Liver functions Test: A blood sample that is checked to measure the substances that are released into the blood by the liver. A high amount of that substance can be a sign of liver disease – a sign of small intestine cancer.
Abdominal X-ray: Makes sure there are no abnormalities

9. Treatments
Radiation Therapy: Uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells
Resection: Removes the part of the Organ that has the disease
Bypass: Allows food in the small intestine to go around for tumors that can’t be removed
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells

10. The largest internal organ in the body is the small intestine and is as big as three full grown men
Small Intestine Cancer

11. Real life small intestine
Blood vessels that surround the small intestine

12. Small Intestine
Ultrasound of Small Intestine

13. Work Cited