What role do villi in the small intestine play in digestion?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Revisiting the question, we are asked about the role of villi in the small intestine during digestion.
Option 1 states: 'Secreting bile to break down fats.' Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; it is released into the small intestine, but the villi themselves do not secrete bile. Therefore, this option misattributes bile secretion to the villi.
Option 2 says: 'Mechanically digesting proteins.' Mechanical digestion involves physical processes like chewing and peristaltic movement to break food into smaller pieces, not the villi performing mechanical breakdown of proteins. The villi are primarily for absorption, not mechanical processing.
Option 3 claims: 'Producing insulin and enzymes.' Insulin is produced by pancreatic beta cells, not by the small intestinal villi. While the small intestine does secrete some enzymes, the specific claim that villi produce insulin is incorrect; the functional role of villi is absorption, not hormone production.
Option 4 asserts: 'Absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream.' This aligns with the known function of the villi: they increase the surface area of the intestinal lining and contain absorptive enterocytes and capillaries (and lacteals for fats), enabling nutrients to pass into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. This accurate description captures the primary purpose of villi in digestion.
In summary, the first three options misattribute functions (bile secretion, mechanical digestion, insulin/enzyme production) to the villi, while the fourth option correctly describes their essential role in nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.

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What role do villi in the small intestine play in digestion?

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