Absorption in the Small Intestine Flashcards
What happens in the small intestine?
The digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream so the body can assimilate (make use of) it.
(Title) The small intestine has many fetues to ensure that the process id efficient.
Here are some of the following:
Why is the small intestine so long, aproximaltely 6-8 metres long?
Maximises the time the food spends there so increases the time for absorption to occur.
Why is the small intestine so narrow?
To maximise the contact between the digested food and the small intestine.
Why is the inner surface folded into villi projection?
To increase the surface are so more nutrients can be absorbed.
Why is each villi covered in microvilli?
For further increase of surface area.
Why is the cell lining (epithelium) only one cell thick?
Short diffusing distance means diffusion occurs faster.
Why is each villi well supplied wit blood cells?
To collect glucose and amino acids.
Why is the lacteal present?
To absorb the products of fat digestion.
What is the lumen?
It is the hole inside the small intestine.
What are capillaries?
They are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries to veins and carry oxygen and nutrients to individual cells?
