What are villi? What is their location and function?


Small, finger-like projections called villi line the interior of the small intestine.

It extends into the intestinal cavity and significantly increases the interior surface area of the intestinal walls, providing a larger surface area for absorption and chyme, which is a digestive secretion.

Location: The small intestine, which can hold villi, absorbs around 2 gallons (7.5 liters) of liquid daily.

Each villus has a central core that is made up of one artery, one vein, a muscle strand, a lymphatic capillary (lacteal) that is positioned in the middle, and connective tissue that supports the structures. Proteins and carbohydrates are assumed to be transported by blood arteries to the villi's cells, whereas emulsified fat droplets are thought to be removed by lymphatic capillaries (chyle). Villi can contract and expand because of the muscle strand; it is thought that these contractions release the lacteal contents into bigger lymphatic arteries.

The image of a single Villi is shown below:                

Tutorialspoint
Tutorialspoint

Simply Easy Learning

Updated on: 09-Jan-2023

8 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements