Absorption in Small Intestine
Asked by Sultanah Fatimah · 2 years ago
How does nutrient absorption occur in the small intestine?
1 Answer
Nutrient absorption in the small intestine occurs through several mechanisms:
1. Villi and microvilli: Increase the surface area for absorption
2. Simple diffusion: For small, non-polar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide
3. Facilitated diffusion: For larger molecules like glucose and amino acids
4. Active transport: For ions and some nutrients against concentration gradients
5. Endocytosis: For large molecules and particles
Absorbed nutrients enter the bloodstream through capillaries in the villi or are transported to the lymphatic system (for fats). The absorbed nutrients are then distributed throughout the body for energy production and cellular functions.
1. Villi and microvilli: Increase the surface area for absorption
2. Simple diffusion: For small, non-polar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide
3. Facilitated diffusion: For larger molecules like glucose and amino acids
4. Active transport: For ions and some nutrients against concentration gradients
5. Endocytosis: For large molecules and particles
Absorbed nutrients enter the bloodstream through capillaries in the villi or are transported to the lymphatic system (for fats). The absorbed nutrients are then distributed throughout the body for energy production and cellular functions.
NEET Faculty · 2 years ago
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