How is the ileum adapted to its functions?

They are Long and narrow to increase the surface area for complete digestion of food and maximum absorption of digested food.

They are also coiled to reduce speed of food flow for maximum digestion and absorption. Presence of villi; and microvilli to increase surface area for maximum absorption.

Dense network of capillaries to transport blood for efficient transport of absorbed food. Presence of lacteals for absorption of fatty acids and glycerol molecules.

Presence of enzymes: Lipase for digestion of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol, maltase for digestion of maltose to glucose molecules, peptidase for breakdown of peptides into amino acids, sucrase for digestion of sucrose into glucose and fructose, lactase for digestion of lactose into glucose and galactose, goblet cells; produce mucus to lubricate the walls of the ileum for smooth flow of food coats the walls of ileum to prevent digestion by peptidase enzyme.