About Lesson
Digestion in the Ileum
It is the lower part of the small intestine and the longest section of the alimentary canal.
It is highly coiled to fit in the limited abdominal space.
The inner walls of the ileum contains secretory cells, some which secrete mucus and others secrete an alkaline fluid known as intestine juice or succus entericus.
Components of Succus entericus
- Maltase – speeds up breakdown of maltose to glucose.
- Sucrase – speeds up breakdown of sucrose to glucose and fructose.
- Lactase – speeds up breakdown of lactose to glucose and galactose.
- Peptidase – speeds up breakdown of peptides to amino acids.
- Lipase – speeds up breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
The process of digestion is thus completed in the ileum.
The resulting watery emulsion of food is called chyle and contains soluble products digestion ready to be absorbed.
The entire canal is lined with an epithelial membrane that contains goblet cells which secrete mucus.
Functions of mucus
- Lubricates food.
- Protects the wall of the alimentary canal from being digested by enzymes.