Villus (Pl. Villi)

Villi (Villus, Pl. Villi) is a small finger-shaped outgrowth located on the surface of the mucous membrane of the small intestine. Each villi is covered with epithelium and contains a network of capillaries and one wide lymphatic capillary known as the lacteal vessel. Villi play an important role in digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.

One of the main functions of the villi is to increase the surface area of ​​the small intestinal mucosa to increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption. Due to their finger shape, villi increase the surface area of ​​the intestine several times. This allows for improved absorption of nutrients and minerals from food.

In addition, villi are also involved in parietal digestion. On the surface of the villi there are microvilli (microvilli), which contain enzymes necessary for the breakdown of food components. Thanks to these enzymes, nutrients from food can be more easily absorbed into the blood.

Chorionic villi are folds of the outer membrane surrounding the fetus, from which the embryonic part of the placenta is formed. The chorionic villi create a large area where maternal and fetal blood interact to exchange oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products. This exchange occurs through a thin membrane that separates the blood vessels of the mother and fetus, called the placental barrier.

Chorionic villi can be examined to determine various genetic abnormalities in the fetus. This process is called chorionic villus testing and can be used to detect diseases such as Down syndrome or hemophilia.

In general, villi play an important role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as in the formation of the placenta and the exchange between maternal and fetal blood. They are an important component of a healthy digestive system and play a key role in maintaining the vitality of the human body.

Villi (Villus, plural Villi) is a short finger-shaped outgrowth of the lamina propria of the small intestinal mucosa, covered with epithelium. Each villus contains a network of capillaries and one wide lymphatic capillary, also known as the lactiferous vessel. Villi significantly increase the surface area on which nutrients are absorbed from the intestines.

The main function of the villi is parietal digestion and absorption of foods. They contain many enzymes that help break down food components into molecules that can be absorbed into the blood. In addition, villi also play an important role in the absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Chorionic villi are folds of the chorion, the outer membrane surrounding the fetus. They create a vast area where oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and waste products of the body are exchanged between maternal blood and fetal blood. Chorionic villi play an important role in the development and growth of the fetus, and also provide it with nutrition and elimination of waste.

Examination of chorionic villi is an important method for diagnosing and monitoring fetal development. This process may include an ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling, or amniocentesis, a procedure in which a sample of amniotic fluid is removed for analysis.

In conclusion, villi are important structures that play a key role in digestion and absorption of nutrients in the intestines, as well as in the development and growth of the fetus. The chorionic villi provide a large area where exchange occurs between maternal and fetal blood and are an important area of ​​study during pregnancy.

**Villi:** One of the numerous finger-like outgrowths of the small intestine from the lamina propria of the mucosa, covered with epithelium. **Chorionic villi:** Folds of the chorionic membrane that forms the embryonic part of the placenta.

The villi of the colon and stomach have hairs called flagella (from the Latin flagellum - “stick”). Their function is mainly to mechanically mix the intestinal contents before they move through the digestive canal. However, the villi of the small intestine are much more developed. Villi are characteristic of the structure of the small intestine of humans, as well as some other animals. Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are associated with the function of small intestinal villi - from intestinal inflammation to malabsorption syndromes or celiac disease.

An unorganized digital outgrowth of the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. As a recess, it has a wide intercellular cavity, the bottom of which goes under the integumentary epithelium. The duct or wide ductal system is an essential element of the structure of the villi. At their tops lie tangles of bundles of terminal cells of the endothelium of the vessels of the mucous membranes, protruding into the lumen of the tubular duct system. An epithelial membrane with a protruding fold surrounds a free cavity on the branches of the duct.