Download Small Intestine Worksheet

Digestive Processes – The Small Intestine
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is in the small intestine where absorption of
nutrients takes place. Proteins, carbohydrates and fats have been broken down by enzymes into small, soluble
molecules ready to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
The inner walls of the small intestine are covered in small, finger-like projections called villi. The surface of the villi are
covered with more, smaller projections called microvilli. These projections increase the surface area of the small
intestine, which increases the rate of absorption.
The small intestine consists of two layers of muscles making up its walls, and an abundance of capillaries just under
the thin wall of cells to ensure rapid absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
1. Outline the purpose of the:
a) Muscular walls of the small intestine
b) Villi and microvilli
c) Thin walls of the villus
d) Network of capillaries