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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.
The digestive system is a tube through which food passes from the mouth where food is ingested to the anus where it is egested. It consists of a series of organs, each with a distinct structure and function. During the digestive transit food is broken down into substances suitable for absorption into the bloodstream.The gut wall has the same basic structure along its length. There are three main layers: 1  An outer, muscular layer. 2  Circular and longitudinal layers of smooth muscles are present.t consists of a series of organs, each with a distinct structure and function. During the digestive transit food is broken down into substances suitable for absorption into the bloodstream. The gut wall has the same basic structure along its length. There are three main layers: 1  An outer, muscular layer.