duodenal digestion

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du·o·de·nal di·ges·tion

that part of digestion carried on in the duodenum.

duodenal digestion

Etymology: L, duodeni, 12 fingers, digere, to separate

digestion that occurs in the first intestinal segment beyond the pylorus, where secretions of the liver and pancreas are received and mixed with the partially digested food from the stomach. Chyle is formed, fats are emulsified, starch is hydrolyzed, and proteolytic enzymes begin to break down proteins.

duodenal digestion

That part of digestion that occurs in the duodenum where stomach contents mix with biliary and pancreatic secretions. The duodenum absorbs iron, vitamin B₁₂, and other essential nutrients.

See: duodenum