Digestion and Absorption

Digestion occurs in the small intestine.

Pancreas is important for digesting carbs, protein, and I think some lipids.

Liver is very important for fat

vitamins and minerals are

Incretins come from the small intestine

 

Digestion

Digestion is the breakdown of macromolecules to facilitate their absorption and use. Macronutrients must be digested to be absorbed.

Carbohydrate digestion

Lipid digestion

Protein digestion

Absorption

The top two-thirds of intestinal mucosa is responsible for digestion and absorption, while the bottom is primarily involved with secretion.

Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are primarily absorbed in the duodeum, but also along the rest of the small intestine.

Calcium, iron, and folate are also primarily absorbed in the duodenum, but calcium is also taken up along the rest of the small intestine.

Bile acids are primarily absorbed in the terminal ileum.

Vitamin B12, in association with intrinsic factor, is absorbed in the terminal ileum.