What is the role of villi in digestion?

Question

Clara Atchley · Accepted Answer

It is the primary site for nutrient absorption into the blood stream after being digested into small molecules with enzymes.

Villi are tiny, tentacle-like structure that line the inner surface of the small intestine. They are about #0.5-1.6# mm long and are covered with microvilli that give them a brush-like structure. The majority of the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into their individual micromolecules that the villi can absorb takes place in the stomach through the action of its own enzymes, and in the small intestine through the action of pancreatic enzymes. The reason for the villi's tentacle-like structure and being covered by microvilli to give it a brush-like structure is to increase the surface area available for absorption. This structure will increase our intestine's surface area #300-600# folds. Resulting in a very efficient absorption mechanism in the small intestine. The file tOl5cDqYTXCSPenoZoZH_villi.png was uploaded by useruploads.tutor.hix.org. In order to facilitate the direct and simple flow of nutrients into the blood, they are also incredibly rich in blood vessels. I hope this clarifies your query; please feel free to ask any more questions you may have. References & Additional Reading: Villie Pancreas

Victoria Angeli · Answer

undefined Villi improve the small intestine's surface area for nutrient absorption by enhancing contact with food particles that have been digested.

Sebastian Alvarez · Answer

undefined The role of villi in digestion is to increase the surface area available for the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Villi are small finger-like projections that line the inner wall of the small intestine. They contain blood vessels and lymphatic vessels that help absorb nutrients from digested food and transport them to the bloodstream for distribution to the rest of the body. Additionally, the villi contain specialized cells called enterocytes, which have microvilli on their surface that further increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. This increased surface area allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals during the digestive process.