Jejunum

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Overview

Template:Infobox Anatomy

In anatomy of the digestive system, the jejunum is the central of the three divisions of the small intestine and lies between the duodenum and the ileum. The change from the duodenum to the jejunum is usually defined as the ligament of Treitz.

In adult humans, the small intestine is usually between 5.5-6m long, 2.5m of which is the jejunum.

The pH in the jejunum is usually between 7 and 8 (neutral or slightly alkaline).

The jejunum and the ileum are suspended by mesentery which gives the bowel great mobility within the abdomen. It also contains muscles to help move the food along.

Internal structure

The inner surface of the jejunum, its mucous membrane, is covered in projections called villi, which increase the surface area of tissue available to absorb nutrients from the gut contents. The villi in the jejunum are much longer than in the duodenum or ileum.

The jejunum contains very few Brunner's glands (found in the duodenum) or Peyer's patches (found in the ileum). Instead, it has many large circular folds in its submucosa called plicae circulares which increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.

Etymology

Jejunum is derived from the adjective jejune, which means "fasting" or "hungry" in Early Modern English. It was so called because this portion of the intestine was found "empty" following death [Latin: jejunus, fasting; barren]