How is the Small Intestine Structured for Absorption?
The small intestine is highly specialized for absorption, with several adaptations that increase its surface area:
Villi: Finger-like projections of the mucosa that contain a core of lamina propria, enhancing the absorptive surface. Microvilli: Tiny hair-like extensions on the apical surface of enterocytes, forming the brush border and vastly increasing the surface area. Crypts of Lieberkühn: Tubular glands located between the villi, housing stem cells and Paneth cells. Plicae Circulares: Circular folds of the mucosa and submucosa that increase the surface area and slow down the movement of chyme for better nutrient absorption.
