# What is the duodenum?

It is called the duodenum. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the first and shortest part of the small intestine, about 25 cm long.

## What it means

- The first and shortest part of the small intestine, about 25 cm long.
- Its name comes from the Latin for 'twelve fingerbreadths'.
- Receives bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic juice from the pancreas.

## Action steps

1. Curves in a C-shape around the head of the pancreas.
2. Just below the stomach.
3. In the upper part of the abdomen.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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