Which part of the small intestine is responsible for absorption of vitamin B12 and reabsorption of conjugated bile salts?

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Prepare for the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) District Test. Use interactive quizzes and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations, to enhance your learning experience and confidence.

Multiple Choice

Which part of the small intestine is responsible for absorption of vitamin B12 and reabsorption of conjugated bile salts?

The terminal ileum handles both vitamin B12 absorption and reabsorption of conjugated bile salts. Vitamin B12 needs intrinsic factor from the stomach; in the terminal ileum, the IF‑B12 complex binds to receptors on ileal enterocytes (cubilin) and is internalized, with B12 entering the bloodstream carried by transcobalamin II. Conjugated bile salts are reabsorbed there via the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) on ileal cells, supporting enterohepatic circulation. If the terminal ileum is damaged, you can see B12 deficiency and bile acid malabsorption. The other parts of the small intestine mainly absorb different nutrients (duodenum and jejunum) and the cecum is part of the large intestine, not the site for this process.

Which part of the small intestine is responsible for absorption of vitamin B12 and reabsorption of conjugated bile salts?

Prepare for the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) District Test. Use interactive quizzes and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations, to enhance your learning experience and confidence.

Which part of the small intestine is responsible for absorption of vitamin B12 and reabsorption of conjugated bile salts?

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