Surface area of the digestive tract much smaller than previously thought

Jake Urso

Source: University of Gothenburg

URL:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140423111505.htm

Summary:

The internal surface area of the gastro-intestinal tract was once thought to be between 180 and 300 square meters. Biologists at the Sahlgrenska Academy have used new and improved microscopic techniques that allowed them to see the internal surface area was actually between 30 and 40 square meters. The reason previous measurements were so far off was because the measurements were taken when the tissue was relaxed. In the new methods of measuring the surface area scientists use radiological methods, along with studies of the structures of the digestive system, taken through the use of endoscopes to obtain samples of the mucous membrane of the intestines. The scientists said that these were average measurements that can vary from person to person based on the healthfulness of their lifestyle. 

Connection:

This connects to our recent studies of the human body because it is about the digestive system. It was interesting because when we talked about the surface area of the digestive system in class it was compared to the surface area of a tennis court. In this article it says specifically how scientists once thought the same thing, but these new microscopic techniques allowed for this to be proven wrong.