Final answer:
Lacteals are lymphatic capillaries that absorb products of fat digestion in the small intestine and transport them as chyle through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream. The liver aids fat digestion by producing bile, which emulsifies fats for enzymatic digestion. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lacteals in the Digestive System
Lacteals are specialized lymphatic capillaries located in the lining of the small intestine. Their primary function is to absorb the products of fat digestion. Unlike other nutrients, lipids are absorbed in a unique way due to their insolubility in water. Lipids are transformed as they are absorbed through epithelial cells and enter the lacteals to form a milky fluid called chyle. The chyle then travels through the lymphatic system and is eventually released into the bloodstream, bypassing direct delivery to the liver, which contrasts with how most other absorbed nutrients are processed.
The liver plays a significant role in fat digestion by producing bile, which is released into the small intestine. This bile helps to break down large globules of lipids into smaller ones which are then more readily digested by enzymes. The bile also reduces food acidity from the stomach, making the environment more favorable for the enzymes in the small intestine.