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.
The duodenum is where your stomach's acidic contents get neutralized by alkaline pancreatic juice - it's like a chemical battlefield where pH swings from highly acidic to alkaline within inches! Duodenal ulcers are often caused by H. pylori bacteria that have learned to survive this harsh chemical environment.
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