Final answer:
Small lymphatic vessels in the small intestine are called lacteals, which absorb lipids and create a milky fluid known as chyle that enters the bloodstream through the lymphatic system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The small lymphatic vessels of the small intestine are called lacteals because of their milky appearance after a meal. The lacteals are essential for the transport of dietary lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins from the small intestine to the bloodstream.
During digestion, fats are broken down into fatty acids and monoglycerides, which are then absorbed by the lacteals present within the villi in the lining of the small intestine. Once inside the lacteals, the fats mix with lymph fluid to create a substance known as chyle, which is characterized by its distinctive milky appearance. Chyle is then conveyed through the lymphatic system, allowing the absorbed lipids to eventually enter the bloodstream, providing energy and vital nutrients.