ABSORPTION
After digestion, the next major step in the body’s use of its food is absorp-tion (Figure 3-3). Absorption is the passage of nutrients into the blood or lymphatic system (the lymphatic vessels carry fat-soluble particles and molecules that are too large to pass through the capillaries into the bloodstream).
To be absorbed,
nutrients must be in their simplest forms. Carbohydrates must be broken down to
the simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and galactose), proteins to amino acids,
and fats to fatty acids and glycerol. Most absorption of nutrients occurs in
the small intestine, although some occurs in the large intes-tine. Water is
absorbed in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
The small intestine is
approximately 22 feet long. Its inner surface has mucosal folds, villi, and
microvilli to increase the surface area for maximum absorption. The fingerlike
projections called villi have hundreds of
microscopic, hairlike pro-jections called microvilli. The microvilli are very
sensitive to the nutrient needs of our bodies (Figure 3-4). Each villus
contains numerous blood capillaries (tiny blood vessels)
and lacteals (lymphatic vessels).
The villi absorb nutrients from the chyme by way of these blood capillaries and
lacteals, which eventually transfer them to the bloodstream. Glucose, fructose,
galactose, amino acids, minerals, and water-soluble vitamins are absorbed by
the capillaries. Fructose and galactose are subsequently carried to the liver,
where they are converted to glucose. Lacteals absorb glycerol and fatty acids
(end products of fat digestion) in addition to the fat-soluble vitamins.
When the chyme reaches
the large intestine, most digestion and absorption have already occurred. The
colon walls secrete mucus as a protection from the acidic digestive juices in
the chyme, which is coming from the small intestine through the ileocecal valve.
The major tasks of the
large intestine are to absorb water, to synthesize some B vitamins and vitamin
K (essential for blood clotting), and to collect food residue. Food residue is
the part of food that the body’s enzyme action cannot digest and consequently
the body cannot absorb. Such residue is commonly called dietary fiber. Examples
include the outer hulls of corn kernels and grains of wheat, celery strings,
and apple skins. It is important that the diet contain adequate fiber because
it promotes the health of the large intestine by helping to produce softer
stools and more frequent bowel movements.
Undigested food is
excreted as feces by way of the rectum.
In healthy people, 99% of carbohydrates, 95% of fat, and 92% of proteins are
absorbed.
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