Villi: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฑ
villi
[ หvษชlaษช ]
biological structure
Villi are tiny, finger-like projections found in various tissues of the body, most notably in the small intestine. They serve to increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients and play a crucial role in digestion. Additionally, villi are present in other organs, such as the placenta, where they assist in nutrient transfer between mother and fetus. The presence of villi enhances the efficiency of nutrient uptake significantly.
Synonyms
appendage, outgrowth, projection
Examples of usage
- The villi in the small intestine absorb vitamins and minerals.
- Damage to the villi can lead to malabsorption issues.
- Research shows that villi increase the digestion of carbohydrates.
Translations
Translations of the word "villi" in other languages:
๐ต๐น vilosidades
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเคฟเคฒเฅเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Zotten
๐ฎ๐ฉ vili
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะธะปะธ
๐ต๐ฑ kosmki
๐ฏ๐ต ็ตจๆฏ
๐ซ๐ท villositรฉs
๐ช๐ธ vellosidades
๐น๐ท villus
๐ฐ๐ท ์ต๋ชจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฒุบุงุจุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ klky
๐ธ๐ฐ klky
๐จ๐ณ ็ปๆฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ villi
๐ฎ๐ธ villi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถัาฃััะบะต
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ villus
๐ฒ๐ฝ vellosidades
Word origin
The term 'villi' originates from the Latin word 'villus', which means 'shaggy hair' or 'tuft of hair'. This name was likely chosen due to the resemblance of these projections to small hairs or fibers. The plural form, 'villi', is commonly used in biological terminology to refer to the multiple projections found in organs that absorb substances. Villi have been studied extensively since the 19th century as scientists began to understand their role in the digestive system. With advancements in microscopy, the intricate structure of villi became more apparent, leading to further discoveries about their functions and importance in health and disease. The study of villi extends beyond just the digestive system, as they are integral to the functioning of other systems, such as the reproductive system in the form of placental villi, emphasizing their significance across different biological contexts.