Villi are small projections that line the inside of the small intestine. the villi are
covered in even smaller hair-like projections called microvilli, which increase the
surface area of the small intestine. the villi and microvilli function to absorb
nutrients from digested food into cells. celiac disease is a condition in which the villi
that line the small intestine are damaged and may disappear as a result of an.
adverse reaction to gluten. predict how a reduction in the number of villi and
microvilli in the small intestine would affect the rate of absorption of nutrients. justify your response.