1. the first part of the small intestine, located between the stomach and the jejunum
Usage: anatomy

Examples

• The duodenum is about 12 inches long in adults.
• Food passes from the stomach into the duodenum for further digestion.
• The pancreas releases enzymes into the duodenum to help break down food.
• Ulcers can form in the duodenum when stomach acid damages the intestinal lining.
• The duodenum receives bile from the gallbladder through the bile duct.
• Doctors examined the patient’s duodenum using an endoscope.