How long is your small intestine?

The small intestine is approximately 22 feet long in adults, although its length can vary from individual to individual. This organ plays a crucial role in the digestive system, as it's responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption from digested food. The long and narrow structure of the small intestine allows for a greater surface area due to the presence of villi and microvilli, which are small projections that increase the absorptive capacity of the intestinal walls.

The other options reflect a misunderstanding of the small intestine's size. For example, 1 foot is far too short, as is 10 feet, while 50 feet greatly exceeds the typical length of the small intestine in humans. Understanding these measurements helps clarify the importance of the small intestine in digestion and nutrition.