What is the proximal part of the small intestine?

The small intestine is divided into three sections: the duodenum, jejunum and the ileum.

The proximal or first part of the small intestine is the duodenum, which is the first loop that attaches to the distal end of the stomach at the pyloric sphincter.

The duodenum is attached to bile ducts which introduce bile from the gall bladder to begin the emulsification of fat. Also attached to the duodenum are pancreatic ducts introducing pancreatic enzymes that neutralize the acidity from the stomach and continue the breakdown of proteins.

www.theherbprof.com/picDigestion3

The Jejunum would be the middle portion of the small intestine and the Ileum would be the distal portion of the small intestine. The small intestine is approximately 16 feet in length and of which 2/3rds is the Ileum. The duodenum is actually only about 1/16th of the small intestine.