7.4 Absorption and assimilation

Question 1

villi

Answer 1

very small finger-like projections that line the inner surface of the small intestine, greatly increasing its surface area

Question 2

microvilli

Answer 2

tiny folds on the surfaces of the cells of the epithelium of the villi in the small intestine

Question 3

hepatic portal vein

Answer 3

the blood vessel that carries blood from the small intestine to the liver

Question 4

lacteals

Answer 4

small vessels that absorb fatty acids and glycerol in the small intestine; their contents are eventually emptied into the blood