Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Villi within the small intestine

Diagram of the villi in the small intestine.

Millions of tiny finger-like structures called villi project inwards from the lining of the small intestine. The large surface area they present allows for rapid absorption of digestion products.

Glossary

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published: 1 July 2011Updated: 26 August 2025Size: 2.33 MB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
The human digestive system

Article

The human digestive system

The human digestive system consists of a long muscular tube and several accessory organs such as the salivary glands, pancreas ...

Read more
Food’s journey through the digestive system

Article

Food’s journey through the digestive system

A look at the time it takes for food to pass through the gut from mouth to anus. In a ...

Read more
Dietary fibre

Article

Dietary fibre

Dietary fibre is the portion of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains we eat that is resistant to digestion and absorption ...

Read more
The human digestive system

Article

The human digestive system

The human digestive system consists of a long muscular tube and several accessory organs such as the salivary glands, pancreas ...

Read more
Healthy gut bacteria

Article

Healthy gut bacteria

For most of the time, the population of bacteria in the large intestine lives in balance within its confines.

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato