Human Anatomy & Physiology: The Lymphatic System

Lacteals are lymphatic capillaries in the villi of the small intestine. These specialized lymphatic vessels are responsible for absorbing dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the small intestine and transporting them to the bloodstream. The presence of lacteals allows for the efficient absorption and transport of these nutrients, which are essential for proper digestion and overall health.

Lacteals are small lymphatic vessels found in the lining of the small intestine. They are responsible for transporting recently absorbed fats from the digestive tract. These lacteals play a crucial role in the absorption and transport of dietary fats, as they collect the fats and transport them through the lymphatic system before eventually entering the bloodstream.

The lymphatic system is a subsystem of the cardiovascular system. It includes a network of vessels that assist in circulating the body fluids. The lymphatic system does not include arteries or a heart.

The lymphatic system collects and transports excess interstitial fluid (fluid that surrounds the tissue) to the blood stream. It helps defend the body against disease-causing agents with the production of lymphocytes. Additionally, it absorbs lipids from the small intestine and transports them to the venous system.

The lymphatic circulation is a drainage system designed to collect excess interstitial fluid and return it to the blood. This is known as a lymphatic pathway and begins as lymphatic capillaries.