The middle section of the small intestine where most nutrient absorption takes place after food leaves the duodenum.
Structure
The jejunum is about two and a half meters long and has a thicker, redder wall than the ileum. Its lining is densely folded into circular ridges called plicae circulares, covered with finger-like villi.
Function
Most carbohydrate, protein, and small-molecule absorption happens here. Specialized transporters in the brush border move nutrients into the enterocytes, which pass them to the portal blood.
Position
It begins at the duodenojejunal flexure on the left side of the abdomen and gradually transitions into the ileum without a sharp boundary.
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Jejunum starts with J and ends with M. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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