Fatty acids and glycerol are first absorbed by

Options

A. Lymph vessels
B. Villi
C. Blood
D. Hepatic portal vein

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Absorption of Fatty Acids and Glycerol:**
- Fatty acids and glycerol are products of fat digestion. They are released from triglycerides during the process of digestion in the small intestine.

2. **Insolubility in Blood:**
- Fatty acids and glycerol are not soluble in water, which means they cannot be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

3. **Formation of Micelles:**
- In the intestinal lumen, fatty acids and glycerol are incorporated into small droplets known as micelles. These micelles help transport the fatty acids and glycerol to the intestinal mucosa.

4. **Absorption into Intestinal Mucosa:**
- Once the micelles reach the intestinal mucosa (the lining of the intestine), the fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed into the epithelial cells.

5. **Reformation into Chylomicrons:**
- Inside the intestinal cells, fatty acids and glycerol are reassembled into triglycerides. These triglycerides are then packaged into larger lipoprotein particles called chylomicrons.

6. **Transport via Lymphatic System:**
- Chylomicrons are too large to enter the blood capillaries directly. Instead, they are transported into the lymphatic vessels known as lacteals, which are present in the villi of the small intestine.

7. **Entry into the Bloodstream:**
- The chylomicrons eventually enter the bloodstream through the lymphatic system, specifically into the thoracic duct, which empties into the bloodstream.

8. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the first absorption of fatty acids and glycerol occurs through lymph vessels (lacteals), not directly into the blood or via the hepatic portal vein.

**Final Answer:**
Fatty acids and glycerol are first absorbed by lymph vessels.

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