Food molecules (glucose,amino acids and some glycerol and fatty acid), minerals (calcium,iron,etc) and vitamins. Most fat are absorbed in a lymph vessel found underneath the capillaries called the lacteal
It is where food molecules/ nutrients are absorbed into the blood.
Villi (Sing. Villus)
lacteal
Every villus has a network of capillaries and a lacteal.
Many nutrients are absorbed from the food in the small intestine. The lining is covered with tiny protuberances called villi (plural of villus) that increase its effective surface area.
In the villi of the small intestine, nutrients from digested food, such as amino acids, monosaccharides, and fatty acids, are absorbed into the central vessel known as the lacteal. The lacteal primarily absorbs dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins, while the surrounding capillaries absorb water-soluble nutrients. This absorption process is crucial for delivering essential nutrients into the bloodstream for use by the body.
The lining of the villus is moist because it contains a layer of mucus that helps lubricate the passage of food and protects the villus from friction or damage. This mucus layer also aids in the absorption of nutrients by keeping the surface of the villus moist, facilitating the movement of molecules across the epithelial cells.
Lacteals are lymphatic vessels found in small intestinal villi. While other nutrients such as amino acids and saccharides are absorbed into the blood stream, lacteals and the lymphatic system are used to absorb fats.
Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream primarily in the small intestine.
In the small intestine, indeed this is where the vast majority of the nutrients are absorbed.
No, the majority of nutrients are not absorbed in the liver; they are primarily absorbed in the small intestine. After digestion, nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls. Once absorbed, these nutrients travel to the liver via the portal vein, where the liver processes and distributes them to the rest of the body.
The root word "villus" refers to a small, hair-like projection found in the intestines. It is involved in absorbing nutrients from food during digestion.