Lacteal (Noun)
Meaning
Any of the lymphatic vessels that convey chyle from the small intestine to the thoracic duct.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The lacteal vessels play a crucial role in the absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
- The lacteal is responsible for transporting chyle, a mixture of lymph and partially digested fats, from the intestinal villi to the lymphatic system.
- During digestion, the lacteal vessels absorb the chyle and transport it to the thoracic duct, where it is then drained into the bloodstream.
- In the small intestine, the lacteal vessels are found in the center of each villus, allowing for efficient absorption of nutrients.
- Damage to the lacteal vessels can lead to impaired fat absorption and malnutrition, highlighting their importance in the digestive process.