How long is the average length of the small intestine?

The average length of the small intestine is approximately 22 feet. This long, winding tube is essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients following the initial breakdown of food in the stomach. The small intestine is divided into three main parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, each playing a specific role in the digestive process.

At around 22 feet, the length allows for a significant surface area to maximize nutrient absorption through its inner lining, which has many folds, villi, and microvilli. This structure enhances the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, making the small intestine a critical component of the digestive system.

Understanding this average length is important in the context of human anatomy and digestion, as it highlights the efficiency of nutrient processing in the body. The other lengths provided are either underestimations or overestimations of the small intestine's actual average length.