OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is the primary function of villi in the small intestine?

To produce bile
To increase surface area for absorption
To secrete enzymes
To absorb water only

The correct answer is: To increase surface area for absorption

The primary function of villi in the small intestine is to increase the surface area for absorption. Villi are small, finger-like projections that line the walls of the small intestine. Their structure significantly enhances the intestinal surface area, allowing for more efficient absorption of nutrients from digested food. This increased surface area is crucial for the absorption of essential nutrients, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, which are vital for the body’s functioning. The villi are covered with even smaller hair-like structures called microvilli, which further amplify this absorptive surface. This combination of villi and microvilli creates a vast area for nutrient absorption, making the small intestine highly effective at transferring nutrients into the bloodstream.