BIO 12 UNIT 3: Study Notes

VILLUS

• Located in small intestine, tiny finger like projections sticking out from the intestine to absorb nutrients (monomers)
• Villi contains tiny projections called microvilli (really small and hugely increase surface area of small intestine leading to more efficient and effective absorption)
• A villi is shaped like a tiny rod that contains a LACTEAL and CAPILLARIES 
• CAPILLARIES absorb monosacharides and amino acids
• LACTEALS absorb glycerides and fatty acids
• Rod shape means villi will be surrounded by nutrients as nutrients pass by them
• Efficient shape (rod) maximum use of space (full coverage of villi and microvilli for maximum absorption)
• Chyme gets fully broken down into nutrients for effective absorption (back of small intestine)