Significance of Villi

Villi are finger like projections that increase the surface area for
absorption. If a section of small intestine was turned inside out, its
surface would be kike a carpet.

Inside each villus are:

- Blood capillaries: absorb amino acids and glucose.
- Lacteals: absorb fatty acids and glycerol.

Amino acids and monosaccharides that enter the blood capillary

network are carried away by the blood. But, larger molecules from the
digestion of fat enter the lacteal. These are then emptied into the
lymphatic system, which eventually discharges its contents into the
blood system.

Through the processes of Osmosis and Diffusion, water and fatty acid
and glycerol are absorbed. Fatty acid and glycerol combine to form fat
which is used as heat insulator and to protect internal organs. The other
nutrients such as glucose used to produce energy, amino acids used to
form component of cells, & minerals are absorbed by active transport.