Ans: The duodenum is crucial to the digestion in the small intestine in a lot of ways. The duodenum neutralizes the acidic gastric juice by producing alkaline secrets. It is also responsible for the proper mixing of bile and the various pancreatic enzymes. Apart from these the main function of the duodenum includes absorption of nutrients and mechanical processing of chyme. Absorption of water, electrolytes, and other nutrients such as Vitamin A and B1, fatty acids, and calcium take place in the duodenum. The chyme is broken down by the bodily fluids in the duodenum for easy absorption of nutrients after it passes through the Ampulla of Vater.