What physical characteristics of the small intestine increase its surface area?

What will be an ideal response?


The lining of the small intestine is highly folded. The surface of the small intestine is highly folded. Each fold has many fingerlike projections called villi. Brush border cells at the surface of a villus have tiny cylindrical projections called microvilli at their surface. All of these physical characteristics increase the surface area of the small intestine, which aid in its role of absorption of nutrients.

Biology & Microbiology

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Biology & Microbiology