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Mention 2 structure & function of small intestine which add to the absorption capacity |
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Answer» tion:The major portion of digestion and absorption of ingested food occurs in the small intestine (approximately 80% of all major nutrient is absorbed here) . Small intestine (SI) is about 21 feet in length. So actually PLENTY of space.But to INCREASE its capacity of absorption the wall of SI is thrown into a series of folds. These folds actually increases the surface area. These are called PLICAE.The innermost layer of the wall of SI, the mucosa contains 4 to 5 million microscopic finger like projections. These are VILLI. Each villi has in its core a capillary network to pick up absorbed nutrients.In ADDITION, each of the EPITHELIAL cells in the surface of the villi has a brush border of MICROVILLI. It further increases the capacity of absorption. |
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