No, rugae are not a structural modification of the small intestine; instead, they are folds found in the stomach that allow it to expand when filled with food. The primary structural modifications of the small intestine that increase its surface area are villi and microvilli, which enhance nutrient absorption. These modifications work together to maximize the intestinal surface area, facilitating efficient digestion and absorption.
Villi
villi, microvilli, and plicae circulares/circularbfolds
Peyer's patches
Microvillus are tiny cellular membranes that through microscopic protrusions increase the surface area of cells and are involved in many cellular processes, such as absorption, secretion, and adhesion.
Small intestine
Villi
Villi.
Vili are present to increase the surface area of the small intestine. This allows more digestion to happen in the small intestine.
They increase the surface area of small intestine and thus, increase the rate of absorption of food...
Villi or microvilli
Small intestine, where microvilli increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients.
Microvilli are finger-like projections that increase the surface area in the small intestine.