Question 1

how long is the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Varies: 20-30 feet in adults.  As a pathologist, i've often wondered why the variability; no one knows.

Question 2

where is the small intestine located?

Accepted Answer

Abdomen: The approximately 20 feet of small intestine is coiled up in your abdomen (belly). It starts at the end of your stomach (the actual organ is not the same as your abdomen) and ends where it joins the colon.

Question 3

which test looks at the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Several tests: Several tests examine the intestine: endoscopy, exploratory surgery, ct scan, x-ray, gastrograffin enema, ultrasound. Each test is used based upon the clinical presentation and indication. The least invasive and least expensive are x-ray and ultrasound. They also provide the least information. Ct scan provides a lot of info, but requires more radiation. Endoscopy and surgery have more risks.

Question 4

desctibe the parts of the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

See below: The stomach empties into the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum, where bile and pancreatic enzymes enter for digestion. Next is the jejunum and then the ileum. These are parts of the small intestine that also absorb nutrients & vitamins that then can enter into the blood stream.

Question 5

what causes a obstruction in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Within and without..: The obstrction can be form something within the lumen (the passage) or within the wall or from externally (within the abdomen but outside the si). With this in mind it is possible to work through the possibilites and reach a conclusion...

Question 6

how do you look after the health of the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine: Other than eating a nutritious diet with a variety of fresh ingredients and adequate amounts of dietary fiber, there is nothing that you need to do to promote the health of the small intestine. The intestines do not need periodic cleanses or supplements for optimal health. If you&#x27;re having problems, discuss them with your doctor. Good luck.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Part of bowel: The small intestine is the intestinal tract that lies between the stomach and the colon.  It is involved in digesting and absorbing most of the nutrients we need for our daily functioning.

Question 8

what amount of of the small intestine can be removed safely?

Accepted Answer

Differs among people: Some people can lose a significant length of their intestine and still maintain relatively normal function. Other people can retain their entire intestine length and still have poor function. Historically, adults require about 100cm minimum to function without supplemental fluids or nutrition. However, this depends on presence of large intestine and the valve between the small and large intestine.

Question 9

how much of the small intestine can be removed safely if damaged?

Accepted Answer

All but 150-200cm: All of the intestine can be removed. However, most adults need to keep at least 150 to 200 cms of small intestine to maintain enough function to avoid complications such as dehydration, severe diarrhea, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies. When you have less than that amount, you may require supplemental IV fluids of nutrition into the vein. Some patients receive intestine transplant, if necessary.

Question 10

what does a 'boggy' small intestine mean? what could that be a condition of?  ty!

Accepted Answer

Boggy: usually we call boggy as loose or flaccid, lacking tone - in regards to the smooth muscle of the small bowl. A common condition of this is an ileus, immotility. If this is occurring there maybe a problem with the enteric system of the gut.

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