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Intestine |
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Intestine is a segment of the alimentary canal. It plays an extremely important role in the alimentary canal. The alimentary canal is the digestive tract in the body which brings about the digestion and metabolism of the food substances consumed by human beings. By digestion we mean the organic process by which food is converted into substances that can be absorbed by the body. It plays an important role in the Human Digestive System . Digestion helps in the nourishment of each and every body cell present in the human body.
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The intestine extends from the stomach the anus. It consists of two segments. These are the small intestine and the large intestine. The small intestine if further divided into the duodenum, jejunum and the ileum. The large intestine is sub- divided into the cecum and the colon.
The intestinal tract can be broadly divided into two different parts. As mentioned earlier these are the small intestine and the large intestine.
There are certain important digestive functions carried out by the intestines. Thus they consist of tubular structures. These are in keeping with the nature of the role the intestines carry out. Apart from this, both the intestines comprise of several layers. The intestines secret mucus which provide a lubrication to the food as it moves along the tubes. This helps the food from getting mixed with digestive juices.
The intestines also contain a lacteal. It is connected to the lymphatic system. This lacteal aids in the removal of lipids and the tissue fluid from the blood supply.
Lumen is a cavity which is present in the Intestines. It is the place where the digestive materials can pass through the intestines. It is also the place where the nutrients are absorbed into the rest of the system.
Micro- villi are present on the epithelium of a villus and further increase the surface area over which absorption can take place. The expanded area provides as much surface for absorption of nutrients to take place.
The muscularis mucosa is a layer of smooth muscle that helps in peristalsis. It allows it to continue right into the gut.
The sub- mucosa contains nerves, blood vessels and fiber with a certain elasticity to it. It also contains the protein collagen. This provide the intestines the capacity to stretch and expand while still keeping the shape intact. Thus they help the intestine in its function of allowing for the movement of food substances.
The sub- mucosa is further lined with a muscle. This muscle too helps in peristalsis. It also helps in the movement of digested material. From here the digested material moves out of the gut.
The large intestine contains bacteria which help in the break- down of bacteria which the alimentary canal might have not been able to manage. Thus the large intestine is the place where a symbiotic relationship shared between the forces of nature can be best perceived.
The large intestine is mainly concerned with the absorption of the remaining water from the digested material. It also carries out a check. It sees to it that no nutrients have escaped from the primary digestion carried out in the ileum.
The intestine is known to contract a number of diseases. This is mainly to do with conditions of inflammation which might occur in the intestines. It can also do with the blockage of the intestines.
However, these can all be medically taken care of.
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