structure of ileum related to absorption Flashcards
structrure of the ileum
wall of the ileum folded and posseses finger like projections about 1mm long called villi
they have thin walls lined with epithelial cells on the other side of which is a rich network of blood capilleries.
villi is situated between the lumen of the intestines and the blood and other tissues in the body.
structure related to function/ adaptations
-increase surface area for diffusion
-very thin walled so short diffsusion path
- contain muscle so are able to move helps to maintain concentration gradient as movement mixes elemnts of ileum
- supply of blood vessles (blood can carry away absorbed molecules ansd maintain a diffusion gradient)
- microvilli further increase surface area for absorption.