IGCSE Biology 0610

7.5 Absorption

  • Nutrients are absorbed at the small intestine
  • Most water is absorbed at the small intestine and the rest at the colon

Adaptations of the Small Intestine

  • The ileum is long and lined with millions of villi (plural)
  • Villi have microvilli to further increase internal surface area of the small intestine
  • The wall of the villus (singular) is only one cell thick so diffusion and active transport is easier
  • A network of blood capillaries transports amino acids and sugar molecules in the blood
  • Lacteals (lymph capillaries) transport fatty acids and glycerol in the lymph

Diagram of a lacteal is on the way 🙂

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