Absorption of Lipids Flashcards
Where does the absorption of lipids take place?
The small intestine
What form are lipids in when they are absorbed?
They have been broken down into fatty acids and glycerol
How does the small intestine absorb fatty acids and glycerol?
They pass through the villi of the small intestine
What are villi?
The hairs which line the small intestine
What happens to fatty acids and glycerol when they have passed through the villi of the small intestine?
They pass into the lymph system by entering lacteals (lymph vessels found in the centre of each villi)
What happens to fatty acids and glycerol when in the lymph system?
They are carried in the lymph up as far as the left side of the neck and are then deposited into the blood stream through the subclavian vein
What happens to the fatty acids and glycerol when hey enter the blood?
They are brought to the liver where they are oxidised to produce heat and energy and to form cell membranes
What happens to excess fatty acids and glycerol in the liver?
They are removed from the liver and are then stored in the adipose tissue underneath the skin which helps insulate the body, protects delicate energy and acts as an energy reserve
What are lacteals?
They are lymph vessels found in the centre of the villi of the small intestine
What side of the neck are fatty acids and glycerol brought to as part of the lymphatic system?
The left side of the neck
How do the fatty acids and glycerol enter the blood from the neck?
They enter the blood through the subclavian vein
Where does the subclavian vein bring fatty acids and glycerol?
To the liver
What happens to fatty acids and glycerol in the liver?
They are oxidised
What are fatty acids and glycerol used for in the liver?
To produce heat and energy and to form cell membranes
What happens to excess fatty acids and glycerol?
They leave the liver and are stored in the adipose tissue under the skin
