Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine, between the duodenum and ileum. Its folded lining absorbs much of the nutrients released during digestion.

Intestinal villus: A fingerlike projection of the small-intestinal lining that increases absorptive surface area. Villi give the jejunum much of its capacity to absorb nutrients.
Small intestine: The digestive organ between the stomach and large intestine where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur. The jejunum is one of its three sections.
Jejunostomy: A surgically created opening into the jejunum, often used to provide enteral nutrition. This access route delivers feeding directly into the jejunum when ordinary feeding is unsuitable.
Gastrointestinal tract: The continuous organ system that digests food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste. The jejunum is one segment within this larger tract.
Microvillus: A microscopic projection of a cell membrane that increases surface area for absorption. Microvilli cover jejunal absorptive cells, extending the surface exposed to intestinal contents.
Duodenum: The first section of the small intestine, receiving stomach contents and digestive secretions. It precedes the jejunum and passes partially digested food into it.
Enteral nutrition: The delivery of nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract, usually by feeding tube. Jejunal feeding uses the intestine’s absorptive function when stomach feeding is not appropriate.
Brunner's glands: Mucus-secreting glands concentrated in the submucosa of the duodenum. Their prominence distinguishes the duodenum from the jejunum.
Enterocyte: An epithelial cell that absorbs nutrients and lines much of the small intestine. Enterocytes take up digested nutrients across the jejunal lining.
Ileum: The final section of the small intestine, joining the jejunum to the large intestine. It follows the jejunum and continues absorption of nutrients and bile salts.

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