In the villi of the small intestine, fatty acids are absorbed into the:
A)lacteals in combination with bile salts
B)capillary networks by active transport
C)capillary networks by osmosis
D)lacteals by osmosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fatty acids are hydrophobic in nature and cannot be dissolved in the aqueous environment of the small intestine. Therefore, they are combined with bile salts to form micelles, which can be transported across the aqueous layer surrounding the villi. These micelles are then absorbed by the lacteals, a network of lymphatic vessels within the villi, through a process of passive diffusion. Thus, fatty acids are absorbed into the lacteals in combination with bile salts.

In the Villi of the Small Intestine, Fatty Acids Are