Which molecule is transported by lacteals that cannot enter blood capillaries?

Prepare for your Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with our comprehensive exam resources. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints, and detailed explanations. Boost your readiness for success!

Multiple Choice

Which molecule is transported by lacteals that cannot enter blood capillaries?

Chylomicrons are large lipoprotein particles formed in enterocytes to ferry dietary fats. Their size is too big for entry into the narrow blood capillaries of the intestinal villi, so they enter the lacteals, the lymphatic capillaries, instead. From there, lymph drains into the thoracic duct and ultimately into the bloodstream. In contrast, nutrients like glucose and amino acids are small enough to pass into blood capillaries and travel via the hepatic portal vein to the liver, and bile salts are reabsorbed and recirculated mainly through enterohepatic circulation in the blood. Therefore, the molecule transported by lacteals that cannot enter blood capillaries is chylomicrons.

Chylomicrons are large lipoprotein particles formed in enterocytes to ferry dietary fats. Their size is too big for entry into the narrow blood capillaries of the intestinal villi, so they enter the lacteals, the lymphatic capillaries, instead. From there, lymph drains into the thoracic duct and ultimately into the bloodstream. In contrast, nutrients like glucose and amino acids are small enough to pass into blood capillaries and travel via the hepatic portal vein to the liver, and bile salts are reabsorbed and recirculated mainly through enterohepatic circulation in the blood. Therefore, the molecule transported by lacteals that cannot enter blood capillaries is chylomicrons.

More practice questions