Scientists in Switzerland compared the total surface area of the small intestine in different species of bats.When the calculations were done as if the inner mucosal surface was smooth, the average inner surface area of the intestinal tube was 9.1 cm² in one species.The mucosal surface area increased to 48 cm² when the villi were factored in and reached a total of 0.13 m² after adding in the membrane surface area of the microvilli.Approximately what percent of the total surface area of the small intestine in these bats can be attributed to the membrane surface area of the microvilli? A)12% B)78% C)55% D)96%

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The membrane surface area of the microvilli is 0.13 m2, and the total surface area of the small intestine is 0.13 m2 + 48 cm2 + 9.1 cm2 = 0.18 m2. Therefore, the membrane surface area of the microvilli accounts for approximately 0.13 m2 / 0.18 m2 * 100% = 72% of the total surface area of the small intestine.

Scientists in Switzerland Compared the Total Surface Area of the Small