222 THE PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURE 



work of the saliva and gastric juice. Even in 

 cases in which the stomach has been removed, 

 the intestines have taken up its functions and 

 have maintained a fair measure of health. 



4. Absorption of the Digested Matters 



4a. Hoiv absorption takes place 



402. The food principles, digested or emul- 

 sionized, as before stated, are now absorbed into 

 the blood and lymph vessels, chiefly through the 

 villi of the intestines. These villi are minute hair- 

 like projections from the lining membrane, from 

 ro to TO of an inch in length. They are covered 

 with soft cells, the deeper ends of which reach 

 the capillary blood-vessels and lymphatics occu- 

 pying the interior of each villus. 



403. The cells of the villus take in the liquid 

 products of digestion, and pass them on into the 

 vessels beneath. By a muscular contraction of 

 the villus, these vessels are emptied at frequent 

 intervals into the larger veins and lymphatics in 

 the walls of the intestines. 



404. The interior of the small intestine, 

 which immediately follows the stomach, is 

 covered throughout by these villi. Owing to 

 the rapid absorption conducted by them, the 

 soluble contents of this intestine are in great 



