7.5

Absorption

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610)  · Unit 7: Human nutrition  · 11 flashcards

Absorption is topic 7.5 in the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus , positioned in Unit 7 — Human nutrition , alongside Diet, Digestive system and Physical digestion.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical). Past papers from 2022 to 2025 record 2 explicit questions on this topic — though the concept underpins many adjacent topics, so it is tested far more often than that figure suggests.

The deck below contains 11 flashcards — 10 key concepts and 1 process card — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.

What the Cambridge 0610 syllabus says

2026-2028 syllabus, in our words

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).

  1. State State that nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
  2. State State that the small intestine absorbs most water, while the colon absorbs some as well.
  3. Explain Explain the importance of villi and microvilli, which give the small intestine a larger internal surface area. Supplement
  4. Describe Describe how a villus is structured. Supplement
  5. Describe Describe what the lacteals and capillaries inside villi do. Supplement
Key Concept Flip

In which region of the digestive system are most nutrients absorbed?

Answer Flip

Most nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. This is due to its large surface area and specialized structures like villi that enhance absorption.

Key Concept Flip

Where is most water absorbed in the digestive system?

Answer Flip

Most water is absorbed in the small intestine. Some water is also absorbed in the colon, which helps in forming solid waste.

Key Concept Flip

What is the significance of villi and microvilli in the small intestine?

Answer Flip

Villi and microvilli greatly increase the internal surface area of the small intestine. This increased surface area allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Key Concept Flip

Name one adaptation of the small intestine for absorption, and how it works.

Answer Flip

One adaptation is the presence of villi, finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption. Each villus contains capillaries and a lacteal to transport absorbed nutrients.

Key Concept Flip

What is the role of capillaries in the villi?

Answer Flip

Capillaries in the villi absorb water-soluble nutrients such as glucose and amino acids. These are then transported via the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

Key Concept Flip

What is the role of lacteals in the villi?

Answer Flip

Lacteals in the villi absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. These are transported via the lymphatic system before entering the bloodstream.

Key Concept Flip

Describe the structure of a villus.

Answer Flip

A villus is a finger-like projection of the small intestine lining containing a network of capillaries, a lacteal (lymph vessel), and a single layer of epithelial cells with microvilli.

Key Concept Flip

Name a nutrient that is absorbed into the lacteals.

Answer Flip

Fats (lipids) and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed into the lacteals. These are transported via the lymphatic system.

Key Concept Flip

Name a nutrient that is absorbed into the capillaries.

Answer Flip

Glucose (a simple sugar) and amino acids are absorbed into the capillaries within the villi. These nutrients are then carried away in the blood.

Key Concept Flip

How does active transport help with absorption in the small intestine?

Answer Flip

Active transport allows the absorption of nutrients against a concentration gradient.

Example: it ensures all glucose is absorbed, even when the concentration in the epithelial cells is higher than in the gut.
Key Concept Flip

How does diffusion aid in absorption in the small intestine?

Answer Flip

Diffusion allows the absorption of fatty acids and glycerol into the epithelial cells lining the small intestine. These molecules move from a region of high concentration (lumen of the small intestine) to a region of low concentration (epithelial cells).

Review the material

Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

Read Notes

Test yourself

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding.

Take Biology Quiz
7.4 Chemical digestion 8.1 Xylem and phloem

Tips to avoid common mistakes in Absorption

More topics in Unit 7 — Human nutrition

Absorption sits alongside these Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

7.1 Diet

12 flashcards
7.2 Digestive system

13 flashcards
7.3 Physical digestion

10 flashcards
7.4 Chemical digestion

10 flashcards

Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers

These are the official Cambridge 0610 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.

absorption villi villus microvilli small intestine surface area blood capillary lacteal thin wall glucose amino acid fatty acid glycerol

Related Biology guides

Long-read articles that go beyond the deck — cover the whole subject's common mistakes, high-yield content and revision pacing.

IGCSE Biology common mistakes

Where marks slip and how to avoid the most-common errors

IGCSE Biology high-yield questions

The 30+ definitions and processes that recur year after year

IGCSE Biology 2-week revision plan

Daily breakdown for the fortnight before exams

How to study this Absorption deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.