2.32 Small intestine's structure and adaptations

Question 1

How is the small intestine adapted towards more absorbtion?

Answer 1

It is very long and has a folded surface with millions of villi, which increases the surface area

Question 2

How does the villi have a large surface area?

Answer 2

Microvilli on the surface of the villus increase the surface area

Question 3

How does the villi have a short diffusion distance?

Answer 3

The wall of the villus is only 1 cell thick

Question 4

How does the villi have a steep concentration gradient?

Answer 4

-It has a lot of blood capillaries running through it, which transport amino acids and glucose away from the small intestine to the blood
-A lacteal runs through the center of the villi to transport fatty acids and glycerol away from the small inteestine to the blood
-Enzymes produced in the walls of the villi assist with digestion