CAIE IGCSE Biology 7.5.3 Villi, Microvilli & Surface Area
Practise explaining how villi and microvilli on small-intestine epithelial cells increase membrane surface area for faster nutrient absorption.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Biology 0610
Exam points
- identify microvilli on the lumen-facing surface of small-intestine epithelial cells
- explain that villi and microvilli increase internal surface area for absorption
- link increased membrane area to faster uptake of glucose, amino acids or other nutrients
7.5.3—Significance of villi and microvilli question 1
Fig. 1.1 shows several villi from the ileum, which is part of the small intestine.
Fig. 1.2 shows the tip of a villus in more detail.
Fig. 1.2
The epithelial cells of the villi absorb nutrients by diffusion and active transport.
Explain the importance of the microvilli shown in Fig. 1.2.
All question bank results loaded