Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What is the main feature of the epithelium in the small intestine that aids in absorption?
Where are most of the food molecules absorbed in the small intestine?
Which structure in the villi contains the lymph vessel?
How are food molecules absorbed into the capillaries and lacteals?
Signup and view all the answers
What adaptation does the wall of the small intestine have to increase the surface area for absorption?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Absorption in Small Intestine
- Most food molecules are absorbed in the small intestine, mainly in the ileum.
- The wall of the small intestine is highly folded, allowing for a large surface area for absorption.
- Villi are finger-like projections on the inner wall of the small intestine, containing a lacteal (lymph vessel) and a network of capillary (blood vessel).
- The epithelium is a one-cell thick layer that lines the inner wall of the small intestine, containing a large amount of microvilli and mitochondria.
- Food molecules are absorbed from the lumen into the capillaries and the lacteals through the epithelium by three main mechanisms:
- Diffusion
- Osmosis
- Active transport
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the absorption process in the small intestine, its adaptive features, and the process of egestion. Understand the structure and function of the small intestine in food absorption.
