The Small Intestine

digestion · nutrition · body systems

Incredibly Long Tube. Your small intestine is about 6.5 meters (21 feet) long, which is longer than you are tall. It folds up like an accordion to fit inside your belly without taking up too much space.

Where Magic Happens. Most of the nutrients from everything you eat, like vitamins, proteins, and sugars, get absorbed into your blood through the walls of your small intestine. This is where your body actually gets the fuel and building blocks it needs to grow and have energy.

Gets Help from Friends. Your small intestine receives special liquids called bile (from your liver) and pancreatic juice (from your pancreas) that break down food into even tinier pieces so your body can use them.

Named for Its Width. It is called the small intestine not because of its length, but because it is narrower in diameter than the large intestine, even though it is actually longer.

Middle Stop on Food's Journey. The small intestine sits between your stomach and your large intestine, acting like a transfer station where food gets processed and nutrients get picked up.