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Multiple Choice
Which structure is primarily responsible for the absorption of digested fats from the intestine?
A
Blood capillaries
B
Hepatic portal vein
C
Pancreatic duct
D
Lymphatic capillaries (lacteals)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the lymphatic system in fat absorption: Fats are absorbed differently compared to carbohydrates and proteins. While carbohydrates and proteins are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, fats are absorbed into the lymphatic system through specialized structures called lacteals.
Learn about lacteals: Lacteals are small lymphatic capillaries located in the villi of the small intestine. They are responsible for absorbing chylomicrons, which are lipid-protein complexes formed during fat digestion.
Review the process of fat digestion and absorption: After fats are broken down into fatty acids and monoglycerides by lipases, they are reassembled into triglycerides and packaged into chylomicrons within the intestinal epithelial cells. These chylomicrons are too large to enter blood capillaries, so they are absorbed into lacteals.
Compare the options provided: Blood capillaries absorb nutrients like glucose and amino acids, but not fats. The hepatic portal vein transports absorbed nutrients from the intestine to the liver, but fats bypass this route initially. The pancreatic duct is involved in delivering digestive enzymes, not absorption. Lacteals are the correct structure for fat absorption.
Conclude that lacteals (lymphatic capillaries) are the primary structures responsible for the absorption of digested fats from the intestine, as they transport chylomicrons into the lymphatic system for eventual delivery to the bloodstream.