<P> The small intestine or small bowel is the part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine, and is where most of the end absorption of food takes place . The small intestine has three distinct regions--the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum . The duodenum is the shortest part of the small intestine and is where preparation for absorption begins . It also receives bile and pancreatic juice through the pancreatic duct, controlled by the sphincter of Oddi . The primary function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food, using small finger - like protrusions called villi . </P> <P> The length of the small intestine can vary greatly, from as short as 2.75 m (9.0 ft) to as long as 10.49 m (34.4 ft). The average length in a living person is 3m - 5m . The length depends both on how tall the person is and how the length is measured . Taller people generally have a longer small intestine and measurements are generally longer after death and when the bowel is empty . </P> <P> It is approximately 1.5 cm in diameter in newborns after 35 weeks of gestational age, and 2.5--3 cm (1 inch) in diameter in adults . On abdominal X-rays, the small intestine is considered to be abnormally dilated when the diameter exceeds 3 cm . On CT scans, a diameter of over 2.5 cm is considered abnormally dilated . The surface area of the human small intestinal mucosa, due to enlargement caused by folds, villi and microvilli, averages 30 square meters . </P> <P> The small intestine is divided into three structural parts . </P>

How long is food in the small intestine