Anatomy Question: Use your own words.
What structures increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine? (Name and describe
three)
Solution
Villi increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine. Villi are the mucosal folds that
have been observed lining the small intestine. The mucosa shows the presence of villi and
microvilli. The villi are finger like projections on mucosa that extend into the lumen of the small
intestine. Each villus shows several microvillus and these microvilli toether form a brush border.
Villi have been very thin with large surface area. Both villi and microvilli increase the surface
area of the small intestine. The villi get connected to blood vessels. Villi collect the nutrients and
pass them through villus capillaries and villus lacteals into the tissue systems through circulatory
and lymphatic systems. Villus capillaries collect amino acids and sugars. Villus lacteals collect
triglycerides and cholesterol. The villi have been useful in absorbing nutrients through the
process of diffusion into the blood stream and lymph system..
Anatomy Question Use your own words.What structures increase the .pdf
1. Anatomy Question: Use your own words.
What structures increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine? (Name and describe
three)
Solution
Villi increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine. Villi are the mucosal folds that
have been observed lining the small intestine. The mucosa shows the presence of villi and
microvilli. The villi are finger like projections on mucosa that extend into the lumen of the small
intestine. Each villus shows several microvillus and these microvilli toether form a brush border.
Villi have been very thin with large surface area. Both villi and microvilli increase the surface
area of the small intestine. The villi get connected to blood vessels. Villi collect the nutrients and
pass them through villus capillaries and villus lacteals into the tissue systems through circulatory
and lymphatic systems. Villus capillaries collect amino acids and sugars. Villus lacteals collect
triglycerides and cholesterol. The villi have been useful in absorbing nutrients through the
process of diffusion into the blood stream and lymph system.
