The small intestine is the major site for the digestion (breakdown of nutrients from food and liquid) and absorption (passage into the bloodstream) of nutrients so they can be used by the body. The small intestine is about 10 feet long, starts at the end of the stomach, and continues until it empties into the colon or large intestine. It is divided into 3 parts. The first section is the duodenum (approximately 12 to 18 inches in length) and is followed by the jejunum and then the ileum. In the duodenum, the acid mixed with the food delivered from the stomach is neutralized by water and bicarbonate which is secreted by the pancreas. This is important because the digestive enzymes and processes of digestion in the small bowel occur in a neutral, not acidic, environment.