Absorption in the Small Intestine
Absorption in the Small Intestine
The small intestine is the main site where digested food is absorbed. Its inner wall has finger-like projections called villi, and each villus is covered with microvilli. These structures increase the surface area, making absorption faster and more efficient.
Each villus contains blood capillaries and a lymph vessel (lacteal). Different nutrients are absorbed in different ways:
Glucose and amino acids → absorbed into blood capillaries.
Fatty acids and glycerol → absorbed into lacteals.
Vitamins and minerals → absorbed depending on their solubility.
The absorbed nutrients are then carried by blood and lymph to different parts of the body, where they are used for energy, growth, and repair.
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