Which segment of the small intestine is the initial recipient of partially digested food from the stomach?

A Jejunum

B Ileum

C Duodenum

D Cecum

Solution

Correct Answer: Option C

The correct answer is the Duodenum.

- The small intestine is divided into three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
- When partially digested food, known as chyme, leaves the stomach, it first enters the duodenum.
- This segment is the initial recipient of chyme and plays a critical role in digestion.

Key points to consider:
- The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, directly connected to the pyloric sphincter of the stomach.
- It receives chyme from the stomach along with digestive enzymes and bile through ducts from the pancreas and gallbladder.
- In the duodenum, important processes such as the neutralization of stomach acid and the further breakdown of nutrients occur, preparing them for absorption in the subsequent segments (jejunum and ileum).
- The jejunum and ileum primarily function in the absorption of nutrients rather than receiving undigested food directly from the stomach.
- The cecum is part of the large intestine, not the small intestine, and thus is not involved in receiving chyme from the stomach.

In summary, the duodenum is the small intestine’s initial segment where the majority of chemical digestion continues immediately after the stomach.

ReferenceGray's Anatomy, 41st Edition, Volume 2, Chapter: The Digestive System, Page 1203

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