INTESTINAL VILLI Meaning and
Definition
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Intestinal villi are small, finger-like projections that line the surface of the small intestine, playing a vital role in the absorption of nutrients from digested food. These microscopic structures increase the surface area of the intestinal lining, allowing for more efficient absorption of essential nutrients into the bloodstream.
Each villus is composed of specialized cells and is covered by a layer of epithelial cells. These cells contain a rich network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries and a lymphatic vessel called a lacteal. The capillaries and lacteal are responsible for collecting the nutrients that have been absorbed and transporting them to the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body.
The inner surface of the villi is also covered with tiny microvilli, which further increase the surface area available for absorption. This increased surface area allows for the efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Intestinal villi play a crucial role in the digestive process by greatly enhancing nutrient absorption. They work in conjunction with other digestive organs, such as the pancreas and liver, to break down the food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed through the villi into the bloodstream.
Overall, the structure of intestinal villi optimizes the efficiency of nutrient absorption in the small intestine, facilitating the essential uptake of nutrients required for growth, energy production, and cellular function throughout the body.
Common Misspellings for INTESTINAL VILLI
- untestinal villi
- jntestinal villi
- kntestinal villi
- ontestinal villi
- 9ntestinal villi
- 8ntestinal villi
- ibtestinal villi
- imtestinal villi
- ijtestinal villi
- ihtestinal villi
- inrestinal villi
- infestinal villi
- ingestinal villi
- inyestinal villi
- in6estinal villi
- in5estinal villi
- intwstinal villi
- intsstinal villi
- intdstinal villi
- intrstinal villi
Etymology of INTESTINAL VILLI
The word "intestinal" originates from the Latin word "intestinus", which means "internal". It was derived from the Latin noun "intestinum", which refers to the intestines. The term "villi" is derived from the Latin word "villus", which means "shaggy hair". In biology, villi are small, finger-like projections found in various parts of the body, including the intestines. When combined, "intestinal villi" refers to the small, hair-like projections found in the lining of the intestines.
