The circular folds (plicae circulares) of the small intestine, along with peristalsis, assist in the mixing of digestive product (chyme), — this helps to expose more of the of the actual food chunks (chyme) both to the digestive juices and to the surface area of the small intestine, which better insures nutrient and water absorption.
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The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
True
The circular folds, also known as plicae circulares, are a crucial anatomical feature in the small intestine that aid in the digestive process. These folds are located in the mucosal and submucosal layers of the small intestine and serve several functions to enhance digestion and absorption.
The primary role of the plicae circulares is to increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. They are covered in villi, which are small, finger-like projections, and each villus is further covered with microvilli, creating a brush border. This layered structure dramatically increases the surface area of the small intestine, allowing for more efficient absorption of nutrients and water from the chyme.
Peristalsis, the wave-like muscular contractions that move the chyme through the gastrointestinal tract, also plays a critical role in this process. As peristalsis occurs, it helps mix the chyme within the small intestine, ensuring that it comes into contact with the walls of the intestine and digestive enzymes. This movement and mixing action help expose food particles to digestive juices and enzymes more effectively.
The combined action of the circular folds and peristalsis ensures that the chyme is properly mixed and that nutrients and water are absorbed efficiently. Without this increase in surface area and the mixing action of peristalsis, the digestive system would be less effective at extracting nutrients from food.
In summary, the circular folds of the small intestine, along with peristalsis, work together to maximize nutrient absorption by increasing surface area and ensuring thorough exposure of the chyme to digestive enzymes. This process is vital for the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients and water.