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Select the correct option related to the function of villi in the small intestine.
Protection from acid
Secretion of minerals
Increases absorptive surface area
Helps in excretion
Increases absorptive surface area
Villi are tiny, finger-like projections found on the inner wall of the small intestine. Their primary function is to significantly increase the surface area available for the absorption of digested food nutrients into the bloodstream.
Villi are tiny, finger-like projections found on the inner wall of the small intestine. Their primary function is to significantly increase the surface area available for the absorption of digested food nutrients into the bloodstream.
Think of a sponge compared to a flat sheet of cloth; the sponge's complex internal surface area allows it to absorb much more water in the same amount of space, just as villi allow the intestine to absorb nutrients effectively.
SurfaceAreaтИЭAbsorptionRate
The increased surface area provided by the villi allows for more efficient contact between the digested food particles (chyme) and the intestinal lining. Each villus is richly supplied with blood capillaries and lacteals, which facilitate the rapid transport of glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and glycerol into the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Villi are located in the jejunum and ileum of the small intestine.
They are covered by microvilli which further increase surface area.
Nutrients are absorbed into capillaries (for sugars/proteins) and lacteals (for fats).
Maximizes nutrient extraction efficiency.
Ensures body receives adequate energy and building blocks from food.
Digestion and assimilation of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Water and electrolyte absorption.
Option A is incorrect because mucus, not villi, protects the stomach wall from acid.
Option B is incorrect as minerals are absorbed by the villi, not secreted by them.
Option D is incorrect as the large intestine is primarily involved in water reabsorption and feces preparation, not excretion in the renal sense.
C is correct тАФ The villi in the small intestine function to increase the surface area for maximum nutrient absorption.
Always remember: Large intestine = Water absorption; Small intestine = Nutrient absorption (via Villi).