5.It also shares in the hormone secreting responsibility.
The small intestine is indeed an organ with enormous responsibility ; it simply an organ that our body will always be grateful it has.
Do you know it also secretes hormones?
Different parts and cells of small intestine are specialized for secreting various useful hormones which facilitate the process of digestion in different ways. Here are some of the hormones that are secreted:
Secretin:
The epithelial cells in the small intestine secrete the secretin hormone. It stimulates the pancreas and liver to release bicarbonate-rich fluids into the lumen through pancreatic and bile ducts, respectively. These bicarbonate-rich fluids are used for the neutralization of acidic food from stomach and emulsification of fats.
Cholecystokinin:
The enteroendocrine cells in the duodenum are specialized for synthesizing and secreting cholecystokinin hormone. The presence of this hormone enables the pancreas to release digestive enzymes and helps the gallbladder empties bile into the intestinal lumen.
One interesting function of this hormone is that it also helps in suppressing hunger.
Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide:
The K cells in the mucosa of duodenum and jejunum help synthesize gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) as an endocrine hormone. It is transported by blood and blocks the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCL) into the stomach.
The GIP hormone also stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to increase the secretion of insulin. Insulin, helps regulate the level of glucose in the blood.
Motilin:
Crypts in the duodenum and jejunum contain numerous endocrine M cells which secrete motilin hormone. The hormone helps in improving peristalsis and preparing the digestive system for the next meal. Motilin is also known as “the housekeeper of the gut”.
It also stimulates the production of pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins in the stomach.
Conclusion
The small intestine is an incredible work of nature. It allows us to digest foods quickly and effectively so that we have the energy we need. That’s why taking care of it is so important. Without your small intestine, the process of digesting food would become incredibly difficult.
Author Profile :- Ademola Adewuyi has a degree in Human Anatomy and is a content crafter at 25 Doctors, a website where you can ask doctors medical questions online.
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