State how the ileum is adapted for its absorption function.
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Oct 10
The ileum is adapted for absorption through several structural and functional adaptations:
1. Villi: The inner lining of the ileum is covered with finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption.
2. Microvilli: Each villus is covered with even smaller projections called microvilli, further increasing the surface area for absorption.
3. Blood supply: The ileum has a rich network of blood vessels that carry absorbed nutrients away from the small intestine to the rest of the body.
4. Lacteals: The villi also contain lymphatic vessels called lacteals, which absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins that cannot be absorbed by blood vessels.
5. Tight junctions: The cells lining the ileum are tightly packed together, forming tight junctions that prevent large molecules from passing through and ensuring that nutrients are absorbed efficiently.
6. Enzymes: The ileum produces enzymes that help break down complex nutrients into smaller molecules that can be absorbed more easily.
7. Transport proteins: Specialized proteins in the cell membrane of the ileum help transport specific nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids, into the bloodstream.
Overall, these adaptations work together to maximize the absorption of nutrients from the digested food passing through the ileum.
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Google Gemini AI
Oct 10
Adaptations of the Ileum for Absorption:
- Long and coiled: Increases surface area for absorption.
- Villi: Finger-like projections that line the inner surface, further increasing surface area.
- Microvilli: Tiny projections on the surface of villi, which further enlarge the absorptive surface.
- Enterocytes: Cells lining the villi and microvilli that contain digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters.
- Dense capillary network: Blood vessels that surround the villi and microvilli, allowing for efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
- Lacteals: Lymphatic vessels within the villi that absorb fat-soluble vitamins and other dietary fats.
- Intestinal folds: Permanent folds in the ileum that prevent the lumen from collapsing and further enhance surface area.
- Peristalsis: Rhythmic contractions that move food along the ileum, facilitating absorption.
- High pH: Helps in the activation of digestive enzymes and the formation of absorbable forms of nutrients.
- Large surface-to-volume ratio: Allows for maximum contact between the absorptive surface and the contents of the ileum.