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The small intestine is a long, highly convoluted tube in the digestive system that absorbs about 90% of the nutrients from the food we eat. It is given the name âsmall intestineâ because it is only 1 inch in diameter, making it less than half the diameter of the large intestine.
Once these materials have been broken down, nutrient absorption can occur. As food is processed along the digestive tract, most of the nutrients are absorbed through the walls of the small intestines.The nutrients are carried into the bloodstream where they can travel to all parts of the body.nce these materials have been broken down, nutrient absorption can occur. As food is processed along the digestive tract, most of the nutrients are absorbed through the walls of the small intestines.