small intestine

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The lining of the small intestine has a very large surface area to facilitate absorption of digested food. The lining has circular folds, and on the surface of the folds there are finger-like villi. The cells covering the villi also have microvilli on their outer surface - these are best seen with the electron microscope. These adaptations increase the surface area.

horizontal rule

low-power view of
several villi in section

medium-power view
of villus

high-power view of
intestinal epithelium

horizontal rule

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