Ta STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF THE INTESTINAL VILLI: a. intestinal epithelium b. lymphatic capillaries c. loose connective tissue d hemocapillaries e. smooth myocytes

The correct answer is a. intestinal epithelium.<br /><br />The intestinal villi are small, finger-like projections that protrude from the epithelial lining of the small intestine. The structural elements of the intestinal villi include the intestinal epithelium, which is a layer of cells that line the surface of the villi. The intestinal epithelium is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from the digested food passing through the small intestine.<br /><br />The other options listed, such as lymphatic capillaries, loose connective tissue, hemocapillaries, and smooth myocytes, are not considered structural elements of the intestinal villi. Lymphatic capillaries are involved in the absorption of lymph, while loose connective tissue and smooth myocytes are components of the connective tissue and muscle tissue, respectively.