noun
- a small finger-like projection from a surface, especially from the wall of the small intestine that aids in absorption
Usage: anatomy; biology
Examples
- The villi in the small intestine increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
- Each villus contains blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
- Damage to intestinal villi can lead to malabsorption disorders.
- The microscope revealed thousands of tiny villi lining the intestinal wall.
- Celiac disease can cause flattening of the intestinal villi.
- The villus structure maximizes the efficiency of digestion.