Small Intestine Intro

Small Intestine

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The Great Surface Area Showdown

Objective: Demonstrate why the small intestine is so long and folded by comparing surface area in real-world objects.

Open Ended

“Why do you think the small intestine is over 20 feet long? Wouldn’t a shorter one be more efficient?” Predict why the small intestine is folded and covered in villi. Lay the flat sheet of paper on the desk and measure its surface area. Crumple another sheet (like folds in the intestine) and compare how much space it now takes up. Use a sponge or paper towel to show how adding even more folds (villi & microvilli) increases absorption.

“Would You Survive Without It?” Case Study

Objective: Explore the importance of the small intestine by analyzing real medical cases.

Open Ended

Introduce the Scenario:

• Present a case of Short Bowel Syndrome (where patients lose part of their small intestine).

• Ask: “Could someone survive without a small intestine?”

• What happens if the small intestine is too short?

• What symptoms would a person experience?

• How might doctors treat this?