Question

Lacteals take part in

• A. Digestion of milk
• B. Absorption of fat
• C. Digestion of lactic acid
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Absorption of fat

Triglycerides are emulsified by bile and hydrolyzed by the enzyme lipase, resulting in a mixture of fatty acids and monoglycerides. These then pass from the intestinal lumen into the enterocyte, where they are re-esterified to form triacylglycerol. The triacylglycerol is then combined with phospholipids, cholesterol ester, and apolipoprotein to form chylomicrons. These chylomicrons then pass into the lacteals, forming a milky substance known as chyle. The lacteals merge to form larger lymphatic vessels that transport the chyle to the thoracic duct, where it is emptied into the bloodstream at the subclavian vein.