The middle segment of the small intestine is the
A) ileum.
B) duodenum.
C) jejunum.
D) pylorus.
E) cecum.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
C) Jejunum.
Explanation:
The small intestine is a crucial part of the digestive system, responsible for nutrient absorption. It is divided into three segments:
- Duodenum – The first section, which receives partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach and mixes it with digestive enzymes and bile to facilitate digestion.
- Jejunum – The middle section, primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Ileum – The final section, which continues nutrient absorption and connects to the large intestine at the ileocecal valve.
The jejunum is approximately 2.5 meters (8 feet) long and has a highly folded inner surface with finger-like projections called villi and microvilli, which increase the surface area for maximum nutrient absorption. It is richly supplied with blood vessels, ensuring efficient transport of absorbed nutrients into the bloodstream.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Ileum (A) – The last segment of the small intestine, responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.
- Duodenum (B) – The first part of the small intestine where digestion begins.
- Pylorus (D) – The lower part of the stomach that connects to the duodenum, not part of the small intestine.
- Cecum (E) – The first part of the large intestine, located after the ileum, and not a segment of the small intestine.
Thus, the jejunum is the correct answer as the middle segment of the small intestine.
