Disorders of the small intestine are often difficult to diagnose and treat. More than 20 feet (6.1 meters) long, an inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter and located deep within the body, this organ is ...

The small intestine is an important part of the digestive system, connecting the stomach to the large intestine. It stretches about 20 feet and coils to fit in your abdomen. The small intestine is ...

After every meal, the intestines perform an action called peristalsis—moving food through their hollow interiors with coordinated contractions and relaxations of the smooth muscle. For more than a ...

This story is part of a series exploring human anatomy and physiology complexities. Each story in this collection showcases discoveries reshaping our understanding of the body's inner workings, ...