Tags: Anatomical Structure.
The duodenum /ˌduːəˈdinəm/ is the first section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates including mammals reptiles and birds. In fish the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms anterior intestine or proximal intestine may be used instead of duodenum. In mammals the duodenum may be the principal site for iron absorption.The duodenum precedes the jejunum and ileum and is the shortest part of the small intestine where most chemical digestion takes place.
