The small intestine is an important part of the digestive system, connecting the stomach to the large intestine. It stretches about 20 feet and coils to fit in your abdomen. The small intestine is ...

This story is part of a series exploring human anatomy and physiology complexities. Each story in this collection showcases discoveries reshaping our understanding of the body's inner workings, ...

Treatment for short bowel syndrome varies by stage and may include intravenous (IV) nutrition, feeding tubes, dietary changes ...

The human small intestine is an essential organ that helps us absorb nutrients and vitamins from food. It is an average of 6 meters long and is covered with millions of villi that are separated by ...

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) affects how well the small intestine absorbs nutrients. Surgery, medications, and nutritional support are all part of a comprehensive treatment plan for this condition. SBS ...

When it comes to intestines, it sure seems like two are better than one. I asked my friend Franck Carbonero why that is. He’s a microbiologist at Washington State University. He studies the bacteria ...

Chemical digestion occurs when the body uses enzymes to break down certain molecules, such as carbohydrates. This process allows the bloodstream to absorb smaller molecules to transport around the ...

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) affects the movement of food, fluid, air, and waste through the intestines. It can be genetic or develop due to another health condition. CIPO is a rare ...

The LDL cholesterol level alone does not indicate whether a person will develop heart disease. Some people absorb cholesterol particularly effectively from the intestine. This may increase the risk of ...