Biology/The Digestive System
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Question
There are 2 components that make up the villi. What are they?
Thanks for using AllExperts. I am not entirely sure what the question is referring to. Villi are composed of a thin membrane that faces the inside of the intestine; this membrane (or epithelium) is composed of individual cells with small projections known as microvilli. On top of the microvilli is a thin layer of glycoproteins known as the glycocalyx; both of these features dramatically improve absorption of digested food. Beneath the microvilli, there is a collection of small blood vessels and small lymphatic ducts known as lacteals. The blood vessels absorb amino acids and sugars broken down from digested food; the lacteals absorb fats that have been broken down during digestion. Perhaps the question is referring to microvilli and the glycocalyx? There is more to the villi than these two components, however; sorry I cannot be more specific.
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John Locke
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I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
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