Villi

Functions of parts of a villus.

• Goblet cells - produces mucus and lubricates.
• Muscular mucosa - layer of muscles that help the villus to move into contact with food.
• Columnar epithelial cells - single layer of cells that allows the products of digestion to move into the bloodstream.
• Lacteal - joins with the lymphatic system.
• Arteiole - takes blood to the liver.

Absorption

Absorption - This occurs in the small intestine (especially the ileum) where Villi 9about 1mm long) increase surface area of the intestinal lining in order to make this process more efficient. It is when the products of digestion pass out of the Lumen of the gut and into the bloodstream. on the surface of the villi are microvilli (about 0.6micrometers long) which are often referred to as a brush border.