LACTEALS Meaning and
Definition
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Lacteals are a crucial component of the lymphatic system, specifically within the intestines. They are a specialized type of lymphatic capillary that plays a vital role in the absorption of dietary fats and other lipids from the small intestine into the bloodstream.
Lacteals are located in the small intestinal lining or mucosa, specifically in the villi, which are finger-like projections that help increase the surface area of the intestine for efficient nutrient absorption. Unlike other blood capillaries, lacteals have thin walls with numerous tiny finger-like projections called microvilli. These structures enhance the surface area available for lipid absorption.
The main function of lacteals is to collect and transport the absorbed lipids from the small intestine into the lymphatic system. The absorbed lipids combine with other substances to form a milky-white fluid called chyle. The chyle then enters into lymphatic vessels and gets transported through various lymph nodes before eventually being emptied into the bloodstream, primarily near the subclavian vein.
Lacteals are pivotal for maintaining proper lipid absorption and digestion, as they help transport the absorbed lipids through the lymphatic system to be utilized by the body. Without lacteals, the efficient absorption of dietary fats would be compromised, leading to various deficiencies and imbalances in the body.
Common Misspellings for LACTEALS
- kacteals
- pacteals
- oacteals
- lzcteals
- lscteals
- lwcteals
- lqcteals
- laxteals
- lavteals
- lafteals
- ladteals
- lacreals
- lacfeals
- lacgeals
- lacyeals
- lac6eals
- lac5eals
- lactwals
- lactsals
- lactdals
Etymology of LACTEALS
The word "lacteals" comes from the Latin term "lactealis", which means "milky" or "relating to milk". The term was coined due to the milky appearance of the lymphatic vessels known as lacteals. Lacteals are small, specialized lymph vessels found in the lining of the small intestine, responsible for absorbing dietary fats into the lymphatic system.
Similar spelling words for LACTEALS
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