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Chapter 11: Problem 8

What are villi and what do they do?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Villi are minute, finger-like projections that line the small intestine. They increase the surface area of the intestine and aid in the efficient absorption of digested nutrients via diffusion and active transport.

Step by step solution

01

Define Villi

Villi are small, finger-like structures that line the interior of the small intestine. They are made of epithelial cells and each is supplied richly with blood vessels. The phrase 'finger-like' refers to their projected structure.
02

Explain Function of Villi

The primary function of the villi is to increase the surface area of the intestine, which in turn maximizes the absorption of digested nutrients from the food we intake. They help to absorb the digested food materials by the process of diffusion and active transport, more efficiently.
03

Discuss Importance of Villi

Without the villi, the absorption of nutrients would drastically reduce because of a reduced surface area for absorption. This highlights the significance of villi in our digestive system.

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