Physiology of the small bowel

Abstract

AbstractThe small intestine has multiple physiological roles, including digestion, absorption, motility, secretion, sensation, intestinal barrier, and immunological functions. Small bowel activity takes place almost entirely unnoticed by healthy individuals; however, these functions are often affected in pathological and postoperative states. A complex interplay of tightly controlled luminal, neural, and hormonal processes regulate small intestinal function, with bidirectional signalling in neural, endocrine, and immunological pathways. An understanding of normal and altered small bowel physiology is critical for the care of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.