Intestinal juices are liquids that come from the glands of a person's small intestine, which is the part of the digestive tract between a human's stomach and his colon. The walls of the small intestine contain glands that secrete a liquid referred to as intestinal juice. The liquid is usually of a consistency that resembles water and may be clear or yellowish in color. These juices are important in the digestive process, helping to neutralize stomach acids and aiding in a person's ability to properly digest his food and make use of the nutrients found within it. Digestive juices also play a role in moving certain hormones into a person's bloodstream.
The juices secreted in a person's intestines are an important and normal part of a human being's digestive process. These juices develop inside a person's small intestines and come from glands in the lining of this organ. Though the small intestine usually secretes intestinal juice in small amounts, this fluid has very important jobs to perform. For example, it helps to cancel the effect of stomach acids that have moved from the stomach into the intestine, and it also helps to ensure the proper digestion of a person's food. It even plays an important role in the proper absorption of nutrients.
Usually, intestinal juice has a thin consistency that can be compared to water. It is typically lightly colored and appears either clear or yellowish. Its exact makeup varies, though it usually contains hormones and enzymes, which help with digestion, as well as some amount of mucus. In most cases, digestive juices also contain substances useful for stopping the effects of stomach acids.
The production of intestinal juice is linked to a few different things. First, the pressure caused by food in the intestine helps to stimulate its secretion. The action of hormones may stimulate it as well. Additionally, the vagus nerve, which extends from the brain through a number of organs, helps to encourage the secretion of this fluid.
Intestinal juices are typically described as alkaline, which means they have a pH greater than seven and are not acidic. They work with pancreatic juices in the processing of food. Pancreatic juices are also alkaline and are secreted by an organ called the pancreas, which is located behind the stomach. These juices also help with the neutralization of stomach acid and the digestion of food.