Intestinal Absorption #2

Learning objectives

To illustrate how to trace the absorption of nutrients through the intestinal cells.
To address different absorption mechanisms depending on the nature of the nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids).

The absorption of nutrients from the small intestine is facilitated by a large exchange surface with the contents of the intestine (chyle). The folds of the intestinal wall, the villi and microvilli result in an area of approximately 200 m².

Nutrients, small soluble molecules from digestion, pass through the intestinal cells (enterocytes) of the intestinal wall and into the blood or lymph according to their nature (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids). They are then transported to all body cells.