Describe how the small intestine is adapted for the absorption of nutrients

The small intestine has several adaptations to facilitate the absorption of nutrients: a short diffusion distance (single layer of epithelium) to maximise absorption, a good blood supply to rapidly transport glucose and amino acids away from the small intestine to other parts of the body, the small intestine also contains microvilli (small finger-like projections that increase the surface area of the small intestine) to maximise the absorption of nutrients, Lacteals which absorb lipids from the small intestine into the lymphatic system.