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Multiple Choice
Which tiny blood vessels are primarily responsible for transporting absorbed nutrients from the digestive tract to the bloodstream?
A
Veins
B
Lymph nodes
C
Capillaries
D
Arteries
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of capillaries: Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body, and their thin walls allow for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.
Identify the connection to the digestive system: In the digestive tract, capillaries are located within the villi of the small intestine, where they play a key role in absorbing nutrients from digested food.
Explain nutrient absorption: Once nutrients are absorbed by the epithelial cells of the small intestine, they pass into the capillaries. These nutrients include glucose, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins.
Describe the transport process: The absorbed nutrients are carried by the capillaries into the bloodstream, specifically into the hepatic portal vein, which transports them to the liver for further processing and distribution.
Clarify why other options are incorrect: Veins are larger vessels that carry blood back to the heart, arteries carry blood away from the heart, and lymph nodes are part of the immune system and not directly involved in nutrient absorption.