Ileum, Villus and Epithelial Cell Adaptations

Question 1

Ileum Adaptations

Answer 1

Very long and has many villi to increase the surface area
has many capillaries and a rich blood supply to increase the concentration gradient
The walls of the intestine are only one cell thick for a short diffusion pathway
Contains lacteals for lipid absorption
All of this maintains efficient absorption of molecules by diffusion, active transport or osmosis

Question 2

Villus Adaptations

Answer 2

Many microvilli to increase the surface area
many capillaries and a rich blood supply to increase the concentration gradient
It is only one cell thick for a short diffusion pathway
Contains lacteals for lipid absorption
All of this maintains efficient absorption of molecules through diffusion, active transport or osmosis

Question 3

Epithelial Cells Adaptations

Answer 3

Microvilli to increase the surface area

Many mitochondria to increase respiration for more energy for active transport