Exchange in the gut

Food is digested so that molecules are small and soluble so that they can be absorbed

Most absorption happens in the small intestine

The small intestine is designed to allow the maximum absorption of food molecules It has a HUGE SURFACE AREA  EXTENSIVE network of CAPILLARIES

Villus

Villus have Thin Walls have  short diffusion distance Rich blood supply carries food molecules away to maintain a high concentration gradient for efficient diffusion

Active transport is also used for absorption

MITOCHONDRIA= site of energy release for active transport

The Villi are finger like projections in the lining of the small intestine which increase the surface area for diffusion.

Food molecules move from the small intestine into the bloodstream by diffusion and active transport

Digestive system and Villus