Small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption are called?

Small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption are called?

• A. Microvilli
• B. Villi
• C. Rugae
• D. Plicae

Answer: (B)

Villi are the finger-like projections of the small intestine’s mucosa that dramatically increase the surface area available for absorption. Each villus contains a capillary network and a central lacteal to transport absorbed nutrients, and its surface is lined by enterocytes with microvilli, further boosting absorptive capacity. Rugae are gastric folds, not in the small intestine, and plicae circulares are circular folds that also boost surface area but are not finger-like projections themselves. So the finger-like projections responsible for this increase are the villi.

Villi are the finger-like projections of the small intestine’s mucosa that dramatically increase the surface area available for absorption. Each villus contains a capillary network and a central lacteal to transport absorbed nutrients, and its surface is lined by enterocytes with microvilli, further boosting absorptive capacity. Rugae are gastric folds, not in the small intestine, and plicae circulares are circular folds that also boost surface area but are not finger-like projections themselves. So the finger-like projections responsible for this increase are the villi.