Duodenum

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine immediately after the stomach. It plays a crucial role in digestion by receiving food from the stomach and mixing it with digestive juices from the pancreas and liver. These juices help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, making nutrients easier for your body to absorb. The duodenum also helps regulate the release of stomach contents into the intestines. It's approximately 10 inches long and acts as a key site where the chemical digestion process accelerates, preparing nutrients for absorption further along in the digestive tract.