The first and shortest section of the small intestine, approximately 12 inches long, where most chemical digestion occurs. It receives bile from the gallbladder and digestive enzymes from the pancreas through the ampulla of Vater.
From Medieval Latin 'duodenum digitorum' meaning 'twelve fingers,' referring to its length being roughly equivalent to the width of twelve fingers placed side by side. This measurement system was used by ancient anatomists.
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