Role of lymphatic systems in fat absorption and transport

Question 1

How are simple sugars and amino acids absorbed into the lymphatic systems

Answer 1

After passing through the epithelium, simple sugars and amino acids enter the blood capillaries and are carried away from the villi

Question 2

What happens to these blood capillaries

Answer 2

The capillaries join up to form veins and these veins unite to form hepatic portal vein that leads directly to the liver
Note: Liver plays an important role in regulating the level of nutrients in the blood

Question 3

What happens to some of the fatty acids and glycerol

Answer 3

Some fatty acids and glycerol enter the blood capillaries of the villi

Question 4

What happens to a large proportion of the fatty acids and glycerol

Answer 4

A large proportion of the fatty acids and glycerol may recombine to form fats again in the intestinal epithelial cells
The fats are mixed with cholesterol and coasted with protein in the epithelial cells to firm lipoprotein droplets (Chylomicrons) which pass into the lacteal which contains a colourless fluid (Lymph)
When fats are absorbed into the lymphatic capillaries, they mix with the lymph to give a milky fluid (Chyle)
The lymphatic capillaries converge into the larger lymphatic vessels, which discharge the chyle into the blood stream