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Extensive surface area absorbs most dietary nutrients into the blood. The figure is taken from MedlinePlus, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.

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Yes. It sits on the Human Body shelf, one of 1,090 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.

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The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.

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The small intestine measures roughly six metres in length

Extensive surface area absorbs most dietary nutrients into the blood

Despite its narrow diameter, the small intestine stretches roughly six metres long in an adult. Microscopic finger-like projections called villi and microvilli line its inner walls, vastly expanding the surface area to absorb digested nutrients into the bloodstream.

Where this comes from

MedlinePlus

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The large intestine absorbs water and houses trillions of microbesColon microflora break down indigestible fibres and synthesise vitamins Food travels down the oesophagus using muscular wavesPeristaltic contractions push food to the stomach even when upside down The gallbladder stores and concentrates liver-produced bileBile release into the small intestine emulsifies dietary fats for absorption The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and regulatory hormonesIslet cells secrete insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels The human body produces over one litre of saliva every daySalivary glands secrete fluid continuously to moisten food and begin digestion Digestion of carbohydrates begins inside the mouthSalivary amylase enzymes break down complex starches during chewing

Tags: digestion, intestines, nutrients

The small intestine measures roughly six metres in length: the short answers

Where does this come from, and can I check it?: Extensive surface area absorbs most dietary nutrients into the blood. The figure is taken from MedlinePlus, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
Is this really a human body fact?: Yes. It sits on the Human Body shelf, one of 1,090 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.
What else can I read about it?: The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.