Parts of Small Intestine

1. Duodenum. The major distinguishing feature of this C-shaped first part of the small intestine is the presence of duodenal (Brunner's) glands in the submucosa. The mucous cells of these glands produce an alkaline secretion. It protects the duodenal lining from the acidity of the chyme and raises the luminal pH to the optimum level for pancreatic enzyme activity. It is also the point of entry for the bile and pancreatic ducts, which penetrate the full thickness of the duodenal wall. It typically exhibits fingerlike or leaflike villi and relatively few goblet cells.

2. Jejunum. An intraperitoneal organ, the jejunum has long leaflike vilii, many plicae circulares, and an intermediate number of goblet cells. The key to its identification, however, is that although it has villi (and is thus part of the small intestine), it contains neither Brunner's glands nor Peyer's patches.

3. Ileum. This intraperitoneal organ has fewer villi, which are short and broad-tipped (clublike), and relatively abundant goblet cells.