US Medical Term · anatomy
Duodenum
Duodeno
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Duodenum |
| Spanish (Español) | Duodeno |
| Chinese (中文) | 十二指腸 |
| Korean (한국어) | 십이지장 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tá tràng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Duodeno |
| Portuguese (Português) | Duodeno |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ลำไส้เล็กส่วนดูโอดีนัม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 十二指腸 |
What it means
The duodenum is the first and shortest section of the small intestine, connecting directly to the stomach. It is about ten to twelve inches long and shaped like the letter C. After food leaves the stomach as a semi-liquid, it enters the duodenum where it is mixed with digestive juices from the pancreas and bile from the liver, delivered through the bile duct. These juices neutralize the stomach acid and continue breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Peptic ulcers — open sores — can form in the duodenum, causing pain that often improves after eating. The duodenum is a common site for endoscopy and biopsy procedures.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My ulcer is in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine just after my stomach.
Mi úlcera está en el duodeno, que es la primera parte del intestino delgado justo después del estómago.
The pain from my duodenal ulcer gets better after I eat, not worse.
El dolor de mi úlcera duodenal mejora después de comer, no empeora.
During the endoscopy they found inflammation in my duodenum.
Durante la endoscopia encontraron inflamación en mi duodeno.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026