The duodenum is the first segment of the small intestine. Within the duodenum, nutrients are simplified by the action:

• of  pancreatic juices originating in the pancreas,
• of bile originating in the liver and stored in the gall bladder.

The nutrients are then absorbed by the organism. The small intestine is covered with millions of folds, or villi, increasing the surface for absorption.

The nutrients pass into our blood vessels, which carry them into the cells of our bodies.
 

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