ABSORPTION AND ASSIMILATION IN MAMMALS

Glucose, amino acids, fatty or carboxylic acids and glycerol as well as vitamins and mineral
salt are absorbed in the small intestine. For efficient absorption, a large surface area is
needed. To ensure this, the wall of the small intestine has folds and furrows. Also there are
finger-like projections called villi (Villus). The inner surface layer (epithelium) of each villus is
thin. This allows the absorption of the end products of digestion which takes place by either
diffusion or active transport. The absorbed food substances are carried away through the
blood vessels and lymphatic vessels (containing blood and lymph respectively).

In each villus, there is a blind lymphatic tube called lacteal which is surrounded by a network
of blood capillaries. The lymph in the lacteal transport fatty acid (carboxylic acid) and
glycerol which recombines to form fats in the lacteals. This is then carried by the blood to
where they are needed. Excess fats are stored in fat cells to form adipose tissues which are
usually found under the skin and around organs.