Abstract
The small intestine is that portion of the digestive tract extending from the duodenojejunal junction to its termination at the ileocaecal valve which is the start of the large intestine. The total length of this tube-like structure is about six metres and it consists of two parts, the jejunum and the ileum. The jejunum is the more proximal part and passes imperceptibly into the ileum which forms the distal half of the small intestine. Both parts are mobile within the abdominal cavity, being attached to the posterior abdominal wall by a curtain of tissue called the mesentery. The ileum terminates distally in the ileocaecal valve where the small intestine enters the caecum, the first part of the large intestine or colon.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1984 M. M. Ravenscroft and C. H. J. Swan
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Ravenscroft, M.M., Swan, C.H.J. (1984). The Small Intestine. In: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Related Procedures. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3248-8_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3248-8_4
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-412-16600-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-3248-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive