Surface area of the digestive tract much smaller than previously thought
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 12:02
in Earth & Climate
The internal surface area of the gastro-intestinal tract has long been considered to be between 180 and 300 square meters. Scientists have used refined microscopic techniques that indicate a much smaller area. The digestive tract, which passes from the mouth through the esophagus and onwards through the intestines, has a length of about 5 meters in a normal adult, and is built up with many folds and protrusions. Previous calculations, which are reproduced in reference works and textbooks, state that the area of the inner surface of the digestive tract is as large as, or even larger than, a tennis court.