The small intestine is a long, coiled organ where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place. It is divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.In the duodenum, digestive juices from the pancreas (with enzymes) and bile from the liver mix with the partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach. This neutralizes stomach acids and continues the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.The jejunum and ileum are mainly responsible for absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream. The inner surface of the small intestine has finger-like projections called villi and microvilli that greatly increase surface area for absorption.Without a properly functioning small intestine, the body cannot effectively absorb nutrients, which leads to malnutrition and other digestive disorders.