Which structure is not a distinguishing feature of the large intestine?

Which structure is not a distinguishing feature of the large intestine?

• A. Villi
• B. Taenia coli
• C. Haustra
• D. Epiploic appendages

Answer: (A)

The big idea here is how the large intestine differs histologically from the small intestine. Villi are finger-like projections that dramatically increase surface area for absorption and are a hallmark of the small intestine. The large intestine does not have villi; its mucosa is smoother and has numerous goblet cells with straight crypts of Lieberkühn, while features like taenia coli, haustra, and epiploic appendages are distinctive of the colon. Taenia coli are three longitudinal bands of smooth muscle that shorten segments of the colon, producing haustra (sacculations). Epiploic appendages are small fat-filled peritoneal pouches attached along the colon. Because villi are absent in the large intestine, they are not a distinguishing feature of it.

The big idea here is how the large intestine differs histologically from the small intestine. Villi are finger-like projections that dramatically increase surface area for absorption and are a hallmark of the small intestine. The large intestine does not have villi; its mucosa is smoother and has numerous goblet cells with straight crypts of Lieberkühn, while features like taenia coli, haustra, and epiploic appendages are distinctive of the colon. Taenia coli are three longitudinal bands of smooth muscle that shorten segments of the colon, producing haustra (sacculations). Epiploic appendages are small fat-filled peritoneal pouches attached along the colon. Because villi are absent in the large intestine, they are not a distinguishing feature of it.