What is the function of a villus in the digestive system?

The function of a villus in the digestive system is to absorb nutrients. Villi are small, finger-like projections that line the walls of the small intestine. Their primary role is to increase the surface area available for absorption, allowing for more efficient uptake of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and other essential substances from the digested food. Each villus is covered with even smaller hair-like structures called microvilli, which further enhance the absorption capacity. This specialization in structure directly supports their function of nutrient absorption, making them critical for proper digestive health.

Other options represent different digestive functions but do not pertain to the specific role of villi; for example, bile storage is done by the gallbladder, while digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas and the lining of the small intestine. The transport of waste materials is primarily the responsibility of the large intestine.