Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Anatomy & Physiology

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of the villi in the small intestine?

To increase the surface area for nutrient absorption

To store bile produced by the liver

To move food through the digestive tract by peristalsis

To secrete digestive enzymes into the stomach

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the small intestine: The small intestine is a long, coiled tube where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs. It is lined with structures called villi, which are small, finger-like projections.

Learn the function of villi: Villi are specialized structures designed to increase the surface area of the small intestine. This increased surface area allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients from digested food.

Eliminate incorrect options: Review the provided choices. Villi do not store bile (this is the function of the gallbladder), do not move food through the digestive tract (this is done by peristalsis, a muscular contraction), and do not secrete digestive enzymes into the stomach (this is the role of gastric glands).

Focus on the correct option: The primary function of villi is to increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains blood vessels and lymphatic vessels (lacteals) to transport absorbed nutrients into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Conclude the reasoning: Based on the anatomy and physiology of the small intestine, the correct answer is that villi increase the surface area for nutrient absorption, which is essential for efficient digestion and nutrient uptake.