Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Anatomy & Physiology

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which type of nutrient is primarily absorbed into the lacteals of the small intestine?

Vitamins B and C

Amino acids

Fatty acids and monoglycerides

Glucose

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of lacteals in the small intestine: Lacteals are specialized lymphatic vessels located in the villi of the small intestine. Their primary function is to absorb dietary fats, specifically fatty acids and monoglycerides, which are too large to enter the bloodstream directly.

Review the digestion and absorption process of fats: Fats are broken down by enzymes like lipase into fatty acids and monoglycerides. These smaller molecules are then packaged into structures called micelles, which facilitate their absorption into the epithelial cells of the small intestine.

Learn how fatty acids and monoglycerides are processed in epithelial cells: Once inside the epithelial cells, fatty acids and monoglycerides are reassembled into triglycerides and packaged into chylomicrons, which are large lipoprotein particles.

Understand the transport of chylomicrons: Chylomicrons are too large to enter capillaries directly, so they are absorbed into lacteals, which are part of the lymphatic system. From there, they are transported through the lymphatic system and eventually enter the bloodstream via the thoracic duct.

Differentiate lacteal absorption from other nutrient absorption: Other nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins (e.g., B and C) are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through capillaries in the villi, not lacteals. This distinction highlights the specialized role of lacteals in fat absorption.