2.32: Understand How the Small Intestine is Adapted for Absorption, Including the Structure of a Villus

VILLUS: Small finger-like projections lining the Intestine wall that absorb digested soluble food molecules

Diagram:

                                      

Diagram showing Structure of Villi

ADAPTATIONS:

ADAPTATION	FUNCTION
THIN CELL WALL	Thin cell wall (one cell thick) to minimise distance of diffusion of digested soluble molecules, therefore increasing the rate of absorption
LARGE SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO	Folded to increase surface area to volume ratio for diffusion of digested soluble molecules, therefore increasing the rate fo absorption
DENSE CAPILLARY NETWORK	Dense capillary network nearby to provide rich blood supply, creating a strong concentration gradient for the diffusion of digested soluble molecules, therefore increasing the rate of absorption
LACTEAL	Lacteal absorbs and transports Fatty acids and Glycerol from Intestine to Lymphatic system