# Explain how the small intestine is adapted to absorb the products of digestion efficiently.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 1.3.2 Digestion and absorption · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The small intestine has villi (finger-like projections) which increase the surface area
2. Villi have a rich blood supply / capillary network to carry absorbed nutrients away, maintaining a concentration gradient
3. Soluble products (glucose / amino acids) are absorbed by diffusion into the blood
4. Fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed into the lacteals (lymph vessels) inside the villi

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