Small Intestine Flashcards
Where does digestion in the small intestine happen?
Duodenum
Where does absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream in the small intestine happen?
Ileum
What are the four main tissue layers of the small intestine?
Serosa, muscle layer, submucosa, mucosa
What is the serosa?
a protective outer covering composed of a layer of cells reinforced by fibrous connective tissue
What is the muscle layer?
outer layer of longitudinal muscle (peristalsis) and inner layer of circular muscle (segmentation)
What is the submucosa?
composed of connective tissue separating the muscle layer from the innermost mucosa
What is the mucosa?
A highly folded inner layer which absorbs material through its surface epithelium from the intestinal lumen
What are villi?
The highly folded finger-like projections of the inner epithelial lining of the intestine
What is the purpose of villi protruding into the intestinal lumen?
Greatly increases the surface area
