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X-ray anatomy of the small intestine
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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X-ray examination allows to see the position and relief of the mucous membrane of the small intestine. The loops of the jejunum are located on the left and in the middle sections of the abdominal cavity, vertically and horizontally. The loops of the ileum occupy a place in the right lower part of the abdomen, oriented vertically and obliquely. Some loops descend into the small pelvis. The small intestine is visible on radiographs as a tortuous narrow band 1-2 cm wide, and with a reduced tone of the wall - 2.5-4.0 cm. The contours of the intestine are uneven due to circular folds protruding into the lumen of the intestine, the height of which on radiographs is 2-3 mm in the jejunum and 1-2 mm in the ileum. With a small amount of radiopaque mass in the lumen of the intestine ("weak" filling), the folds are clearly visible, and with "tight" filling, the size, position, shape and contours of the intestine are determined.
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