How is the structure of a villi in the small intestine related to its function?
1 Answer
The villi and microcvilli increase intestinal absorptive surface providing exceptionally efficient absorption of dietary nutrients from the lumen.
Explanation:
The intestinal villi are small finger like projections that extend into the lumen of the small intestine. Each villus has many microvilli projecting from its epithelial surface, collectively forming a brush border.
Villi are specialised for absorbtion and have very thin walls which are single cell thick. This enables a shorter diffusion path. They have a rich blood supply to keep a concentration gradient. Villus capillaries collect amino acids and simple sugars.
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Lymph capillaries in the villi collect absorbed triglycerides, cholesterol and fat soluble vitamins and transport it back to the blood very slowly.
