What is intestinal function?
Mar 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the intestines have digestive, absorptive, immune, excretory, and secretory functions. The intestine is one of the main sites for food digestion. The small intestine contains various digestive enzymes that can break down starches in food into glucose, fats into glycerol and fatty acids, and proteins into amino acids and other small molecules.
Under normal circumstances, intestinal function mainly involves three aspects: food digestion and absorption, waste excretion, and immune defense. The primary functions include digestive function, absorptive function, immune function, excretory function, and secretory function. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Digestive Function
The intestine is one of the main sites for food digestion. The small intestine contains various digestive enzymes that can break down starches in food into glucose, fats into glycerol and fatty acids, and proteins into amino acids and other small molecules, enabling the body to absorb and utilize these nutrients.
2. Absorptive Function
Nutrients after digestion, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, enter the bloodstream and lymphatic circulation through the epithelial cells of the small intestinal mucosa, supplying energy and nutrients to various tissues and organs in the body and maintaining the normal functioning of life activities.
3. Immune Function
The surface of the intestinal mucosa is covered with extensive lymphatic tissue, such as Peyer's patches. These lymphoid tissues contain numerous immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, which can recognize and eliminate pathogens entering the intestine, protecting the body from infection and maintaining immune balance.
4. Excretory Function
The large intestine concentrates the indigestible food residue after digestion and absorption by the small intestine, forming feces, which are then expelled from the body through the rectum and anus. This process helps timely removal of metabolic waste and harmful substances from the body, keeping the internal environment clean and stable.
5. Secretory Function
The mucosal cells of the intestine can secrete various substances. For example, small intestinal mucosal cells secrete intestinal fluid containing various digestive enzymes and mucus, which aids in food digestion and protects the intestinal mucosa.
In daily life, to maintain intestinal health, it is important to follow a regular diet, eat meals at regular times and in appropriate quantities, avoid overeating, and strive to maintain regular three meals per day.
