[Campbell Biology P.959] Which of the following statements correctly describes a key differe... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes a key difference in the absorption pathway of fats compared to most other nutrients like glucose or amino acids from the small intestine, as detailed in the provided text and figure?

  • A: Fats are directly absorbed into the capillaries and transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein.
  • B: Fats are broken down and reassembled into chylomicrons, which then enter the lacteals of the lymphatic system.
  • C: Fats undergo active transport across the epithelial cell membranes without prior enzymatic digestion.
  • D: Bile salts actively transport digested fats into the epithelial cells.

Explanation

The text and Figure 41.13 clearly state that fats triglycerides are broken down, absorbed into epithelial cells, re-formed into triglycerides, coated to form chylomicrons, and then enter the lacteals of the lymphatic system before eventually reaching the bloodstream. This is distinct from other nutrients like glucose and amino acids, which typically enter capillaries directly and go to the hepatic portal vein.