Question

The internal surface of the small intestine has many folds, giving it an enormous total surface area. This structure helps the small intestine to ______

A. Insulate the abdomen from digestive acid
B. Absorb nutrients from material passing through it
C. Filter pathogens out of food flowing by
D. Retain heat with a minimum of energy of energy expenditure

Answer 1

The internal surface of the small intestine, with its villi and microvilli, is designed to maximize the absorption of nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream.

Step-by-step explanation:

The internal surface of the small intestine is highly adapted for the absorption of nutrients. This is due to the presence of structures known as villi and microvilli, which are folds and fingerlike projections that greatly increase the surface area within the intestine. The villi are lined with absorptive cells that help in the absorption of food nutrients into the bloodstream. The large surface area is crucial because it allows for an efficient transfer of digested food molecules into the blood, thus satisfying the body’s nutritional requirements.

It is important to note that while the internal structure of the small intestine has various functions, its main role is in fact to absorb nutrients from the material that passes through it.