Duodenal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🍽️
duodenal
[ˌduːoʊˈdiːnl ]
Definition
medical terminology
Duodenal refers to anything pertaining to the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine in humans and other mammals. This section plays a critical role in the digestive process by receiving partially digested food from the stomach and continuing the digestion with enzymes and bile. Disorders related to the duodenum can affect overall digestion and nutrient absorption.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Duodenal ulcer can cause significant abdominal pain.
- The duodenal wall is lined with villi to absorb nutrients.
- Doctors often examine the duodenal area for signs of inflammation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Anatomy
- The duodenum is about 25-30 centimeters long and is the first part of the small intestine, connecting to the stomach.
- It plays a crucial role in digestion by mixing food with bile and pancreatic juices to break it down further.
Health
- Conditions affecting the duodenum include ulcers, which are sore spots that can bleed and cause pain.
- Duodenal health is important for proper nutrient absorption, affecting overall well-being and energy levels.
Cultural Significance
- In some cultures, the understanding of digestive systems, including the duodenum, influenced traditional medicine and diets.
- The word 'duodenal' reflects a highly specialized field in medicine, highlighting the complexity of human biology.
Science
- Research on the duodenum contributes to our understanding of diseases like diabetes, as certain hormones released here influence insulin production.
- Innovations in medical imaging have improved our ability to study the duodenum and diagnose conditions affecting it.
Origin of 'duodenal'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'duodenal' comes from Latin, where 'duodeni' means 'twelve', referring to its length, which is about twelve fingers wide.
- In English, the term has been used since the 18th century, showing the historical medical interest in human anatomy.
The term 'duodenal' originates from the Latin word 'duodeni', meaning 'twelve each', referring to the duodenum's length of approximately twelve finger-breadths, which was how it was traditionally measured. The duodenum is an essential part of the gastrointestinal system, being the first part of the small intestine following the stomach. It derives its name from the Latin because of its approximate length in the measurement used historically in medicine. It plays a vital role in digestion and in the neutralization of stomach acid as partly-digested food, known as chyme, passes from the stomach into the small intestine. Its physiological importance and the various functions it supports underscore the significance of the word 'duodenal' in medical contexts.