ABSORPTION

AND
ASSIMILATION
 Adaptation of Digestive System for
Absorption
Absorption of food takes place in
small intestine.
Start at duodenum
End at ileum
Adaptation of Digestive System for
Absorption
Alcohol, small amount of
simple sugars and water are
also absorbed by the lining of
the stomach.
Adaptation of Digestive System for
Absorption
 The adaptation of small intestine:
Large surface area for absorption purpose
Small intestine is long
The wall of small intestine is folded inward
The inner surface of the small intestine is covered with
villi
The epithelial cell of each villus are covered with
microvilli
Adaptation of Digestive System for Absorption
The epithelial cell covering the microvilli is
one cell thick, making it easy for digested
food to pass through it.
A comprehensive network of blood
capillaries within each villus to transport
away the absorbed nutrients all over the body.
The lacteal within each villus transport away
fatty acid, glycerol and fat-soluble vitamins.
STRUCTUR
E OF
VILLUS
G.I. Secretion & Absorption: the Balance Sheet

8.9 L
Total absorbed
by intestine
Intestinal Morphology
 Intestinal Villus and Microvilli

CAPILLARY
NETWORK

LYMPH VESSEL
Stem
cells
INTESTINAL
GLAND
Secretory
cells
EPITHELIUM
OF VILUS

ONE CELL
THICK
 microvilli
(“brush border”)
 Functions of structures in a villus
Structure Function
Lacteal Absorb fatty acids, glycerol and fat-soluble
vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Intestinal gland Secrete intestinal juice
Venule Transport absorbed food from blood capillaries
via the hepatic portal vein to the liver
Network of Absorb amino acids, monosaccharides, vitamins
blood B, C, mineral and water
capillaries
Arteriole Supplies blood to the capillary network
Lymph vessel Transport fat droplets to the lymphatic system
The process of absorption in the villus of small intestine

•Absorption takes pace when digested food pass through the

epithelium of the villi and into the capillary network and
lymph vessels.
•Nutrients that enter into blood capillaries are:
• Water
• Glucose
• Amino acids
• Vitamins B and C
•Nutrients that enter lymph vessels are:
• Fatty acids
• Glycerol
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)