How is the small intestine adapted for absorption?
The small intestine's mucosa is highly specialized for nutrient absorption. Key adaptations include:
Villi: Finger-like projections increasing the surface area. Microvilli: Microscopic extensions of the apical membrane of epithelial cells, forming the brush border. Crypts of Lieberkühn: Glandular structures at the base of villi, containing stem cells and Paneth cells which secrete antimicrobial peptides.
