The small intestine is divided into three structural parts, Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum, it is the part of the gastrointestinal tract following the stomach and followed by the large bowel. The inner wall, or mucosa, of the small intestine is lined with project microscopic finger-like pieces of tissue called villi. Digested food is able to pass into the blood vessels in the wall of the intestine via these villi. It is the site where most of the nutrients from ingested food are absorbed. The average length of the small intestine in an adult human is approximately 7 meters.
The Large bowel
The large bowel is approximately 1.5metres long. It is the second-to-last part of the digestive system, the final stage of the alimentary …show more content…
Inside these organs is a lining called the mucosa. In the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, the mucosa contains tiny glands that produce juices to help digest food. The digestive tract also contains a layer of smooth muscle that helps break down food and move it along the tract.
Movement of Food through the System
The large organs of the digestive tract contain a layer of muscle that enables their walls to move. The movement of organ walls can propel food and liquid through the system and also can mix the contents within each organ. Food moves from one organ to the next through muscle action called peristalsis. Peristalsis looks like an ocean wave travelling through the muscle. The muscle of the organ contracts to create a narrowing and then propels the narrowed portion slowly down the length of the organ. These waves of narrowing push the food and fluid in front of them through each hollow