The intestine is a long organ that is a conduit for nutrients that enter the bloodstream. It starts from the pylorus of the stomach. Food travels a long way, starting from the esophagus and down the entire length of the intestine. An adult and children may have problems, but not everyone knows about them. Many do not know how long the intestines are in an adult. This article can help you figure it out.
Intestinal function
So, more details. The intestines are engaged in the breakdown of nutrients, which then enter the bloodstream. They come from the stomach already digested. Everything that turned out to be superfluous leaves him through the anus, in the form of gases and feces. The intestine performs a peculiar role of a juicer. That is, it selects everything useful from the body, and the rest, which does not bring any benefit, brings it out. Also along the entire length of the intestine in an adult and a child there are beneficial bacteria. They are able to attack pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. If the intestinal microflora is disturbed, problems with the digestive system can begin and various diseases can begin to become attached.
Building
The intestinal section begins with the duodenum. In shape, it resembles an arc. Its length is approximately 20 centimeters. It is she who controls the work of the stomach, that is, regulates its motor function, and is also responsible for the amount of secreted acid. It also breaks down proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Next comes the small intestine. It consists of a lean and iliac part. Here, nutrients are absorbed from processed food into the blood. This gut is considered the most important, without it a person cannot live.
After the small intestine comes the large intestine. Everything that could not be digested gets into it. Its main function will be the formation of feces and its removal, as well as the absorption of water. The process of digestion continues in the large intestine. In this case, various bacteria help her. The more of them, the easier it is to do it. But when there are not enough of them, for example, due to the use of antibiotics, then the intestine becomes difficult.
The large intestine ends in the rectum. Here is the accumulation of feces, which then exits the body when visiting the toilet.
All along the length of the intestines of an adult human, there are important bacteria that help a person maintain the immune system. Therefore, it is especially important to keep an eye on him.
Diseases of the large intestine
Today, there are many diseases that can harm this section of the intestine. Here are the main ones:
- Colitis is inflammationintestines, which can progress in acute, chronic and ulcerative form. It can occur after malnutrition, surgery, infection. It is considered a very dangerous disease, since in severe forms it can lead to peritonitis or even death.
- Suction problem. It is in the large intestine that the absorption of fluids occurs, but sometimes this function is impaired during inflammation. Because of this, the body may suffer from dehydration.
- Constipation is a disorder caused by the absence of stool for a long time. According to the rules, a person should go to the toilet once a day, if he does not, then constipation has occurred. This problem comes from malnutrition or certain diseases.
- Diarrhea - frequent urge to go to the toilet, in which the feces come out in a liquid state. This disorder can be caused by infection, disease, malnutrition, or stress. With diarrhea, a person may experience pain in the anus and abdomen.
Diseases of the small intestine
The small intestine is considered very important for a person, but from time to time diseases can occur that can change ordinary life. Some of them:
- Enteritis. This disease is caused by Escherichia coli or Salmonella. Long-term use of antibiotics may also be the cause.
- Celiac disease. This disease occurs when there is a deficiency of an enzyme that can break down gluten. Remnants of it remainhaving a bad effect on the small intestine. Because of this, the walls of the latter become thinner, and it begins to do its job poorly.
- Whipple's disease. The cause is inflammation, which is caused by certain bacteria, after which they block the ability to absorb nutrients.
- Dysbacteriosis. It is formed when there is a significant decrease in beneficial bacteria in the small intestine. This can occur due to long-term use of antibiotics or antimicrobials, as well as infections or food poisoning.
How long is the intestine in an adult
The question is ambiguous. The length of the small intestine is about four meters. This figure may be slightly more or less, it depends on the size of the person, as well as his gender. The length of the small intestine of the dead will be much longer, about eight meters. This is due to the fact that he lacks muscle tone.
The length of the large intestine in an adult will be much less than the small one. It will be approximately two meters, but there may be slight changes in indicators.
Interesting facts
Gas formation, or bloating, comes from the swallowed air, which passes along the entire length of the intestines of an adult and a child. To avoid this, you need to chew your food thoroughly.
When food enters the body, all digestive organs begin to contract so that food passes more easily.
Babout 7 liters of fluid enters the colon. It is obtained from water, mucus, bile and enzymes. But only 7 tablespoons come out of the human body.
