Question

Pictured is a villus, which is the structure on the small intestine that's responsible for the absorption of nutrients and medications to the blood and lymph. Label the villus, indicating which struct?

Answer 1

In the small intestine, lacteals within the villi absorb and transport fats, while the capillaries help absorb other nutrients. The surface of the villi is covered with microvilli that increase surface area for absorption, and the hepatic portal vein carries nutrients to the liver.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lacteals within the villi of the small intestine are responsible for the absorption and transport of fats. Each villus contains a network of capillaries and a central lacteal, which is part of the lymphatic system. The epithelial cells on the surface of the villi have microvilli that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption from the chyme, allowing nutrients to enter the blood and lymphatic circulation.

The absorbed nutrients in the blood are then carried into the hepatic portal vein, leading to the liver, where the distribution of nutrients and removal of toxins occur. The structure responsible for the absorption of nutrients and medications in the small intestine is called the villus. Villi are finger-like projections that line the surface of the small intestine. Each villus is covered with microscopic projections called microvilli that greatly increase the surface area for absorption.