Question

why are villi ideal sites for absorption of food?(3points)

Answer 1

Villi (singular: villus) are found in the small intestine. They are finger-like projections that help in the absorption of food.

They are made up of a thin wall and have a large surface area. The thin wall provides a shorter path for the diffusion of food and minerals. The large surface area help in the absorption of fatty acids into the blood.

When the food passes in the small intestine ,it comes in contact with the villi. By a process called active transport,the villi allows the passage of iron and calcium into the blood.

The villi is covered with two layers of cell:-
i)goblet cell---> it secretes mucus
ii)epithelial cells---> these are responsible for the absorption.

The epithelial cell are covered by smaller projections like villi known as microvilli which increases the absorption capacity of the intestine. The microvilli is covered with digestive enzymes that help in breaking down carbohydrates and proteins. In this way villi helps in absorption of food.