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CAIE IGCSE Biology 7.5 Absorption Questions

Practise absorption in the small intestine by locating villi, explaining microvilli and thin epithelium, and tracing nutrients into capillaries or lacteals.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • Identify the small intestine as the main site of digested-nutrient absorption and state where most and some water are absorbed.
  • Explain how villi, microvilli, a thin epithelium, capillaries and lacteals provide a large, short diffusion pathway for absorption.
  • Trace glucose and amino acids into villus capillaries and fatty acids and glycerol into lacteals, then follow their transport routes.
  • Infer effects of damaged villi or reduced absorption, including nutrient deficiency, malnutrition, poor growth or low energy.

Covered syllabus points

7.5.1—Small intestine is the region where7.5.2—Most water is absorbed from the small7.5.3—Significance of villi and microvilli7.5.4—Structure of a villus7.5.5—Roles of capillaries and lacteals

Question 1

[Maximum number: 5]

Question (a)

(a)

Fig. 6.1 is a diagram of a villus.

Fig. 6.1

Fig. 6.1

[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Draw labels and label lines on Fig. 6.1 to identify a capillary and a lacteal.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

State the part of the digestive system where villi are located.

[ 1 ]

Question (iii)

(iii)

State the function of the lacteal.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Describe the pathway taken by the products of protein digestion from the villi to the liver.

[ 2 ]

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows part of the alimentary canal.
Where is most water absorbed?

Figure for Question 2 — CAIE IGCSE Biology

Question 3

[Maximum number: 4]

Fig. 1.1 shows several villi from the ileum, which is part of the small intestine.

Question (a)

(a)

Fig. 1.2 shows the tip of a villus in more detail.

Fig. 1.2

Fig. 1.2

The epithelial cells of the villi absorb nutrients by diffusion and active transport.

[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Explain the importance of the microvilli shown in Fig. 1.2.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Fig. 1.1 shows a lacteal in the centre of each villus.

Describe the roles of lacteals.

[ 2 ]
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