Final answer:
The small intestine is distinguished from the large intestine by histological features such as villi and microvilli, which are absent in the large intestine. While simple columnar epithelium and goblet cells are present in both, the small intestine's enhanced surface area is crucial for nutrient absorption, compared to the large intestine's focus on absorbing water and salts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distinctive Features of the Small and Large Intestines
The differences between the large intestine and small intestine are evident in their histological structures, which are adapted to their specific digestive functions. One notable distinction is the presence of villi and microvilli in the small intestine, which are absent in the large intestine. The walls of the small intestine are lined with simple columnar epithelium interspersed with mucus-secreting goblet cells. These structures greatly increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. In contrast, the large intestine features more abundant intestinal glands and lacks the circular folds or villi found in the small intestine, focusing primarily on the absorption of water and salts, as well as vitamins produced by intestinal bacteria. Both intestines contain lymphocytes and lymphatic nodules, such as Peyer's patches in the small intestine that function as part of the immune system to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream.