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duodenum (doo″o-deŽnәm) (doo-odŽә-nәm)   the first or proximal portion of the small intestine, about 25 cm (10 inches) long; at its upper end is the pyloric opening connecting it to the stomach, and at its lower end it continues into the jejunum. It plays an important role in digestion of food because both the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct empty into it. It is subject to various disorders, the most common of which are peptic ulcers and obstruction.




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