Which feature in the small intestine contains lymph and increases surface area for absorption?

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This question tests how the small intestine combines maximum absorption with a lymphatic transport path. The feature that both increases surface area and contains lymph is the villus. Villi are finger-like projections of the mucosa, and inside each core sits a lacteal, a lymphatic capillary, plus a network of blood capillaries. The lacteal picks up absorbed fats and transports them via the lymphatic system, which is why this structure uniquely carries lymph while boosting absorption.

In contrast, microvilli are tiny projections on the absorptive cells that greatly increase surface area but don’t contain lymph. Goblet cells secrete mucus, which lubricates and protects the lining. Plicae circulares are folds of mucosa and submucosa that also increase surface area and slow chyme passage, but they don’t house lymphatic vessels.