Module 1: Organisms, Nutrients and Digestion

XSIQ
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Biology - Villi and microvilli in the small intestine

Villi and microvilli in the small intestine

The inner surface of the small intestine is not smooth. It has a large
number of finger-like projections called (singular villus). Each villus
has further projections on it called The lumen [1] is the region of the
intestine through which food passes.

The villi and microvilli increase the surface area of the small intestine
approximately 600-fold. The internal surface area of the small intestine is
approximately, which is the area of a tennis court!

Having a large surface area in the small intestine is advantageous since
it provides a greater surface through which substances released by chemical
digestion can be absorbed into the blood system [2] and lymphatic system.
[3]



Links:
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[1] http://alison.com/#
[2] http://alison.com/#
[3] http://alison.com/#