Question

which statement is true?
you can click the view image button to see an image of the small intestine.
a) villi are like tentacles of an octopus that help to move the food towards the large intestine
b) the surface of the small intestine is enlarged on many levels. here we can see the villi
c) these microvilli enlarge the surface area and enable efficient nutrient uptake
d) villi are cell extensions that increase the surface area of the small intestine

Explanation:

• Option a is incorrect: Villi do not move food; peristalsis does this.
• Option b is incorrect: Villi are one level of surface enlargement, but the statement does not align with the key function, and it misrepresents the core role.
• Option c is correct: Microvilli (tiny projections on villi cells) increase surface area dramatically, which is critical for efficient absorption of nutrients from digested food.
• Option d is incorrect: Villi are small, finger-shaped folds of the intestinal lining (not cell extensions; microvilli are the cell extensions).

Answer:

c) These microvilli enlarge the surface area and enable efficient nutrient uptake