Lacteal
Lacteal
Lacteal (pronunciation: /lækˈtiːəl/) is a term used in the field of Anatomy and Physiology to describe a specific part of the Lymphatic System.
Etymology
The term 'Lacteal' is derived from the Latin word 'lacteus', which means 'milky'. This is in reference to the milky appearance of the fluid (known as Chyle) that is carried by the lacteals after the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.
Definition
A Lacteal is a lymphatic capillary located in the Villi of the Small Intestine. Its primary function is to absorb and transport fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the diet that cannot be directly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Function
During the process of digestion, dietary fats are broken down into smaller molecules known as Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides. These molecules are then absorbed by the cells lining the small intestine and reassembled into larger molecules known as Triglycerides. The triglycerides are then packaged into particles known as Chylomicrons, which are released into the lacteals. The lacteals transport the chylomicrons to the Thoracic Duct, which then releases them into the bloodstream.
Related Terms
- Chyle
- Villi
- Small Intestine
- Lymphatic System
- Fatty Acids
- Monoglycerides
- Triglycerides
- Chylomicrons
- Thoracic Duct
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lacteal
- Wikipedia's article - Lacteal
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