Why is surface area important in the small intestine?

Answer 1

Simply put, larger surface area allows for more digestive process to occur.

Answer 2

When there is more surface area there are increases in absorption rates as the chyme (the food after it begins digestion) travels through the intestine. The more surface area, the quicker the nutrients and other important things that the body needs will be absorbed into the system.

Answer 3

The inner surface of the small intestine is not flat but thrown into circular folds called plicae circularis. Also, the villi and microvilli help to increase surface area in the small intestine. The increased surface area allows for more area for food absorption.

Answer 4

Small intestines are important site of absorption of digested food. The more is the surface area more is the absorption. Therefore the epithelial lining on the lumen side is folded in finger like projection called villi. These increase the surface area. The cells in the villi also have projection that are called microvilli. They thus increase the area further, facilitating maximum absorption.

Answer 5

There is increased surface area in the small intestine because that is where most of the nutrients from our food are abosorbed. The vilii allow for the most nutrients to be absorbed at one time.

Answer 6

Ville, MicoVille and Mucosal folds

Answer 7

micro villi