Question

Select one answer (A to D) for each of the following.Which statement is true of the jejunum?

a. It is part of the small intestine.
b. It is part of the large intestine.
c. It is part of the esophagus.
d. none of the above

Answer 1

The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine, crucial for nutrient absorption. Unlike the esophagus, which is a transport passage, or the large intestine, which processes waste, the jejunum specializes in extracting nutrients from digested food.

Step-by-step explanation:

The jejunum is the second part of the small intestine situated between the duodenum and the ileum. It plays a critical role in the digestive system where most of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The small intestine, including the jejunum, is equipped with villi and microvilli that drastically increase the surface area for absorption. This increased surface area is vital for efficient nutrient uptake.

Damage to the villi, as occurs in certain diseases like celiac disease, can lead to malabsorption and various nutritional deficiencies. The jejunum's function is distinct from that of the large intestine, which concentrates on water absorption and waste formation, and the esophagus, which serves merely as a conduit for food travelling from the mouth to the stomach.