Jejunum : Detailed Explanation
What Is Jejunum?
The jejunum is a part of the small intestine, which is a vital component of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients from ingested food. The small intestine consists of three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. These segments are connected in a continuous tube-like structure.
The jejunum is located between the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) and the ileum (the last segment of the small intestine). It's situated in the upper abdomen, primarily in the region called the upper left quadrant. The jejunum is responsible for further breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the chyme (partially digested food mixture) that enters from the stomach through the pyloric sphincter.
The walls of the jejunum are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which are covered in even smaller hair-like structures called microvilli. These structures significantly increase the surface area of the jejunum's inner lining, facilitating the absorption of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into the bloodstream.
In summary, the jejunum is an essential part of the digestive system, playing a crucial role in nutrient absorption after food has been partially digested in the stomach and passed through the duodenum.
Structure of the jejunum
The jejunum is a section of the small intestine that connects the ileum and the cecum. The jejunum has a number of functions, including acting as a barrier between the small intestine and the rest of the GI system.
The indoors surface of the jejunum—which is uncovered to ingested meals—is blanketed in finger–like projections of mucosa, referred to as villi, which boosts the surface vicinity of tissue available to soak up vitamins from ingested foodstuffs. The epithelial cells which line these villi have microvilli. The delivery of vitamins across epithelial cells thru the jejunum and ileum consists of the passive shipping of sugar fructose and the energetic shipping of amino acids, small peptides, vitamins, and maximum glucose. The villi in the jejunum are plenty longer than inside the duodenum or ileum.
The pH within the jejunum is normally among 7 and eight (neutral or slightly alkaline).
The jejunum and the ileum are suspended with the aid of mesentery which gives the bowel great mobility inside the abdomen. It additionally incorporates circular and longitudinal smooth muscle which allows it to move meals along through a process called peristalsis.
Jejunum function
It follows the duodenum and precedes the ileum. The primary function of the jejunum, along with the rest of the small intestine, is the absorption of nutrients from the food we consume. Here are some key functions of the jejunum:
Nutrient Absorption: The inner lining of the jejunum is covered with millions of tiny finger-like projections called villi and even smaller structures called microvilli. These structures greatly increase the surface area of the jejunum, allowing for efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and then transported to various parts of the body for energy production, growth, and other essential functions.
Digestion: While most of the digestion process occurs in the stomach and duodenum, the jejunum continues to aid in further breaking down the partially digested food. Enzymes secreted by the pancreas and the intestinal wall itself help to break down complex molecules into smaller, more easily absorbable components.
Fluid Absorption: In addition to nutrient absorption, the jejunum is involved in the absorption of water and electrolytes. This helps maintain the body's fluid balance and electrolyte levels, which are crucial for various physiological processes.
Transport of Absorbed Nutrients: Once nutrients are absorbed through the villi and microvilli, they are transported through blood vessels and the lymphatic system to various tissues and organs where they are needed.
Hormone Production: The jejunum, like the rest of the small intestine, also produces hormones that play important roles in regulating digestive processes. For example, it produces hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin that help regulate the release of digestive enzymes and bile from the pancreas and gallbladder.
It's important to note that the entire small intestine, including the jejunum, works in coordination with other organs such as the stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder to ensure the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat.
The main duties of the jejunum are:
cleavage of vitamins (e.G. By using amylase, proteinase)
absorption of lipophilic nutrients (proteins, fats, cholesterol and the fat-soluble nutrients A, D, E and K)
absorption of water (approximately 90% of the secreted water, 6 to eight liters/day). This induces an osmotic gradient leading to a paracellular transport of electrolytes, carbohydrates and amino acids.
Symptoms Jejunum
The jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine, located between the duodenum (the first part) and the ileum (the last part). Symptoms related to the jejunum can be indicative of various medical conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system. It's important to note that symptoms alone may not provide a definitive diagnosis, and a medical professional's evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Some potential symptoms associated with jejunum-related issues include:
Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen can be a common symptom, often described as cramping or aching. The pain might be generalized or located in the mid-abdominal region.
Bloating and Gas: Excessive gas production in the jejunum can lead to abdominal bloating and discomfort.
Diarrhea: Conditions affecting the jejunum's ability to properly absorb nutrients and fluids might lead to diarrhea. This could be chronic or intermittent.
Malabsorption: The jejunum is crucial for nutrient absorption. Problems with the jejunum can result in malabsorption, leading to weight loss, weakness, and nutritional deficiencies.
Nausea and Vomiting: Conditions affecting the jejunum can trigger nausea and vomiting, especially if there's a disruption in the digestion and absorption of food.
Changes in Bowel Habits: Besides diarrhea, changes in bowel habits like constipation might occur, depending on the underlying cause.
Blood in Stool: Inflammation, ulcers, or other issues in the jejunum might lead to blood appearing in the stool. This could be red or black, depending on where the bleeding occurs in the gastrointestinal tract.
Fatigue: Chronic malabsorption due to jejunum-related issues can lead to fatigue and weakness due to nutrient deficiencies.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Severe malabsorption can result in weight loss even if the individual is consuming a regular diet.
Abdominal Distension: Swelling or distension of the abdomen could occur due to various factors, including gas accumulation, inflammation, or fluid buildup.
Common conditions that can affect the jejunum and lead to these symptoms include Crohn's disease, celiac disease, tropical sprue, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and other inflammatory or infectious conditions.
If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or severe symptoms related to the jejunum, it's important to seek medical attention. A doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation, which might involve physical exams, blood tests, imaging studies, and potentially endoscopic procedures to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
