What would be the effect of stripping the small intestines of their villi?

• A. Enhanced movement of food through the intestines
• B. Decreased nutrient absorption due to reduced surface area
• C. Improved immune response in the gut
• D. Increased production of digestive enzymes

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of villi: Villi are small, finger-like projections lining the small intestine. Their primary role is to increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. They contain blood vessels and lymphatic vessels to transport absorbed nutrients.
2. Consider the impact of removing villi: Stripping the small intestine of its villi would drastically reduce the surface area available for nutrient absorption, impairing the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients effectively.
3. Analyze the options provided: Enhanced movement of food through the intestines is unlikely because villi do not directly affect food movement. Improved immune response in the gut is unrelated to villi removal, as villi are primarily involved in absorption, not immunity. Increased production of digestive enzymes is also not directly linked to villi.
4. Focus on the correct answer: Decreased nutrient absorption due to reduced surface area is the most logical consequence of removing villi, as their absence would hinder the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients efficiently.
5. Conclude the reasoning: The removal of villi would lead to malnutrition and other health issues due to the reduced ability of the small intestine to absorb essential nutrients from digested food.