AB2.H1.5D1 Villi

Micrograph of Villi:

    Villa Transverse Section Villa Longitudinal Section
  • In these micrographs villi, which are characteristic of the mucous membrane of the small intestine, are shown in transverse section (a) or longitudinal section (b)
  • The villi are covered with absorbtive epithelial cells with microvilli and some mucus secreting goblet cells
  • These are stained green in (b) but are unstained in (a)
  • The microvilli and villi contribute to providing a large surface area for absorbtion of nutrients to take place

Question:

    What other anatomical adaptations are there which contribute to increasing the surface area of the small intestine to support the absorption of nutrients?