Which part of the small intestine comes first?

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and plays a crucial role in digestion. It is the segment where the acidic chyme from the stomach is neutralized by bicarbonate and mixed with digestive enzymes from the pancreas as well as bile from the liver. The duodenum is essential for the initial stages of nutrient absorption by breaking down food and facilitating the absorption of nutrients efficiently before passing the semi-digested material to the next segments of the small intestine, which are the jejunum and ileum. Therefore, understanding the function and position of the duodenum is fundamental when studying the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system.