What structure increases the absorptive surface area of the small intestine?

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Multiple Choice

What structure increases the absorptive surface area of the small intestine?

Explanation:
Villi are finger-like projections of the small intestine mucosa that dramatically increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains a capillary network and a lacteal, and its surface is lined with enterocytes bearing microvilli—the brush border—that together multiply the absorptive area many times over. Rugae belong to the stomach and help with stretching, not absorption in the small intestine. Peyer's patches are lymphoid tissue in the ileum and don’t directly boost absorptive surface. So, the structure that primarily expands the small intestine’s absorptive surface is the villus.

Villi are finger-like projections of the small intestine mucosa that dramatically increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains a capillary network and a lacteal, and its surface is lined with enterocytes bearing microvilli—the brush border—that together multiply the absorptive area many times over. Rugae belong to the stomach and help with stretching, not absorption in the small intestine. Peyer's patches are lymphoid tissue in the ileum and don’t directly boost absorptive surface. So, the structure that primarily expands the small intestine’s absorptive surface is the villus.

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