Intestinal phase

Definition

The intestinal phase is a stage of digestion that begins when chyme enters the small intestine, triggering hormonal and neural responses to control gastric activity and promote further digestion. This phase primarily focuses on slowing down gastric emptying to allow for optimal nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

Related terms

Chyme: A semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that is passed from the stomach to the duodenum.

Gastric emptying: The process by which food exits the stomach and enters the small intestine.

Nutrient absorption: The process by which digested food molecules are taken up by the lining of the small intestine into the bloodstream