A Feature of the Digestive Tract Wall That Increases Surface

Question

A feature of the digestive tract wall that increases surface area available for absorption is the
A) transitional cells.
B) circular folds.
C) elastic cells.
D) rugae.
E) muscularis mucosa.

Accepted Answer

Circular folds, also known as plicae circulares, are permanent transverse folds of the intestinal lining that help increase surface area for absorption. Rugae are temporary folds in the stomach that allow it to expand. Transitional cells are not a feature of the digestive tract wall, while elastic cells and muscularis mucosa do not contribute to increasing surface area for absorption.