| Term Name: | duodenum |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | proximal intestine, upper intestine |
| Definition: | The first part of the small intestine. At the junction of the stomach and the duodenum the alimentary canal is inflected. The duodenum first goes anteriorly for a short distance, turns dorsally, and eventually caudally, thus it is a U-shaped structure with two horizontal sections (a ventral and a dorsal one). |
| Ontology: | Cell Ontology [UBERON:0002114] |