Final answer:
Celiac disease is associated with damage to the villi of the small intestine due to an immune response to gluten found in wheat products, necessitating a gluten-free diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question related to celiac disease is: b. damage to the villi resulting from the consumption of wheat products. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the microvilli within the small intestine. This damage inhibits the body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia, and even long-term health issues like osteoporosis and certain types of cancers. People with celiac disease must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet to prevent damage to their intestinal villi and manage their symptoms.