NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 2
Important NCERT Questions
7th Chapter 2 Nutrition in Animals
NCERT Books for Session 2022-2023
CBSE Board and State Board
Questions No: 5
What are villi? What is their location and function?
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The inner walls of the small intestine have thousands of finger-like outgrowths. These are called villi (singular villus).
The villi increase the surface area for absorption of the digested food. Each villus has a network of thin and small blood vessels close to its surface. The surface of the villi absorbs the digested food materials.
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Villi are finger-like projections lining the small intestine, playing vital roles in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Location: Found in the mucosal lining of the small intestine’s jejunum and ileum.
Functions:
1. Increased Surface Area: Villi greatly amplify the intestinal surface area, enhancing nutrient absorption efficiency.
2. Nutrient Absorption: Each villus contains blood vessels and a lacteal, facilitating the absorption of nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids into these vessels for distribution throughout the body.
3. Digestive Enzymes and Absorption: Villi house specialized cells, including enterocytes, responsible for producing digestive enzymes and absorbing nutrients. Microvilli on enterocytes (brush border) further augment absorption capacity.
Overall, villi in the small intestine bolster nutrient absorption by significantly expanding the surface area and enabling efficient uptake of digested nutrients into the bloodstream for bodily functions.