During nutrient absorption in the mammalian small intestine, digested end-products cross the mucosal epithelium of the villi into underlying transport vessels. Which of the following statements correctly describes the primary route of absorption for lipid digestion products compared to water-soluble nutrients?
- Fatty acids and glycerol enter the lacteals of the lymphatic system, whereas glucose and amino acids enter the blood capillaries.Answer
- BFatty acids and glycerol pass directly into blood capillaries, whereas glucose and amino acids enter the central lacteals.
- CFatty acids enter the Malpighian tubules for transport, whereas amino acids pass into the lymphatic vessel.
- DFatty acids are absorbed by saprophytic extracellular digestion into epithelial cell walls, while amino acids enter flame cells.
Answer
Fatty acids and glycerol enter the lacteals of the lymphatic system, whereas glucose and amino acids enter the blood capillaries.
In the villi of the mammalian small intestine, each villus contains a net of blood capillaries surrounding a central lymphatic capillary called a lacteal. Monosaccharides (like glucose) and amino acids are water-soluble and pass directly into the blood capillaries to be carried to the liver via the hepatic portal vein. In contrast, long-chain fatty acids and glycerol are re-assembled into triglycerides and chylomicrons within enterocytes and absorbed into the lacteal of the lymphatic system.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Absorption of nutrients in intestinal villi
Estimated Time:1m 0s