There are thee basic digestive processes taking place in the smallintestine. These are:

1. Digestion
2. Absorption
3. Assimilation.

The small intestine is divided into three parts namely:

1. Duodenum.
2. Jejunum
3. Ileum

DUODENUM

First part of the small intestine linking the stomach and the  large intestine.
It is connected to the PANCREAS, which secretes PANCREATIC JUICE.
Pancreatic juice produces BICARBONATE which neutralizes the acidic food from the stomach.
Pancreatic juice also contains enzymes which converts carbohydrates into glucose.
Liver contains the gall bladder which produces BILE.
Bile salts help in the emulsification of fats.

3.3.5. Small intestine

Cross section the small intestine showing the Villi

JEJUNUM AND ILEUM

JEJUNUM

Jejunum is the second part of the small intestine. It produces enzymes that digest peptones, diasacharides and lipids.
Absorption of nutrients also takes place in the jejunum. Absorption of the product of digestion takes place via microscopic hair like structures lining the wall of the jejunum called VILLI

 ILEUM

Last part of the small intestine.
Absorption of vitamins, bile salts and other nutrients takes place in the ileum.