What role do villi play in the small intestine?

Villi are tiny, finger-like projections that line the surface of the small intestine and play a crucial role in the digestive process by absorbing nutrients. Their primary function is to increase the surface area of the intestinal wall, which enhances the absorption efficiency of essential nutrients from digested food. Each villus contains specialized cells that facilitate the uptake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream. This efficient absorption is vital for providing the body with the necessary nutrients to function properly.

The other roles mentioned, such as supporting digestion, producing hormones, and secreting bile, do not pertain to the specific function of villi. While digestion is a broader process that involves many components of the digestive system, villi are not directly involved in the mechanical breakdown of food. Moreover, hormone production is undertaken by specific endocrine glands, and bile secretion is the responsibility of the liver and gallbladder, not the villi.