Lacteals take part

Options

A. Digestion of milk
B. Absorption of fat/fatty acids and glycerol
C. Digestion of lactic acid
D. None of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Lacteals**: Lacteals are specialized lymphatic vessels located in the villi of the small intestine. They play a crucial role in the absorption of dietary fats.

2. **Digestion of Fats**: Dietary fats, primarily in the form of triglycerides, are emulsified by bile salts in the small intestine. This process breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzyme action.

3. **Hydrolysis by Lipase**: The enzyme lipase then hydrolyzes the emulsified triglycerides into fatty acids and monoglycerides (glycerol). This step is essential for the absorption of fats.

4. **Formation of Chylomicrons**: After the hydrolysis, fatty acids and monoglycerides are absorbed by the intestinal cells (enterocytes). Inside these cells, they are reassembled into triglycerides and packaged into lipoprotein particles called chylomicrons.

5. **Entry into Lacteals**: Chylomicrons are too large to enter the blood capillaries directly, so they are transported into the lacteals. This process results in the formation of a milky substance known as "chyle."

6. **Transport through Lymphatic System**: The lacteals merge to form larger lymphatic vessels, which transport chyle through the lymphatic system. Eventually, this chyle is delivered to the thoracic duct.

7. **Absorption into the Bloodstream**: The thoracic duct empties the chyle into the bloodstream at the subclavian vein, allowing the absorbed fats (fatty acids and glycerol) to enter circulation.

8. **Conclusion**: Therefore, lacteals take part in the absorption of fats, specifically fatty acids and glycerol.

**Final Answer**: Lacteals take part in the absorption of fat (fatty acids and glycerol).

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