An 11-month-old girl is referred to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic due to a history of generalized weakness, slow growth, and refractory diarrhea. For the past month she has been hospitalized regularly to receive parenteral nutrition. Examination of the epithelium lining her small intestine confirms that the failure to absorb nutrients is most likely due to a significant decrease in which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms and examination findings suggest a condition affecting nutrient absorption in the small intestine, which is primarily facilitated by microvilli. A significant decrease in microvilli would lead to malabsorption, explaining the patient's symptoms.

An 11-Month-Old Girl Is Referred to a Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic