Final answer:
The highly specialized lymph capillaries present in the villi of the intestinal mucosa are called lacteals. They help in the absorption of nutrients, especially fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highly specialized lymph capillaries present in the villi of the intestinal mucosa are called lacteals. The villi are folds on the lining of the small intestine that increase its surface area for the absorption of nutrients. Within each villus, there is a network of blood capillaries and lacteals. The blood capillaries absorb most nutrients, while the lacteals absorb fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.