Question

Which structures in the small intestine are modifications for digestion and absorption, and what is the role of each?

a) Plicae circulares force food movement, and microvilli increase surface area.
b) Villi force chyme movement, and plicae circulares increase absorptive surface area.
c) Microvilli force chyme movement, and villi increase surface area.
d) Plicae circulares increase absorptive surface area, and villi force food movement

Answer 1

The villi and microvilli in the small intestine are modifications for digestion and absorption. They increase the surface area for absorption and play a crucial role in the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structures in the small intestine that are modifications for digestion and absorption are the villi and microvilli. The villi are folds in the surface of the small intestine that increase the absorptive surface area, while the microvilli are cytoplasmic extensions on individual cells that further increase the surface area for absorption. Together, these structures play a crucial role in the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.