Absorption of Triglycerides

Chylomicrons move into the lacteals and join the lymphatic system.Micelles are structures that are made of monoglycerides and bile salts 4-7nm in diameter.When micelles come into contact with the epithelial cells lining the villi, they break down releasing monoglycerides and fatty acids.The non-polar molecules diffuse across the phospholipid bilayer into the epithelial cells.Inside the cells the monoglycerides and fatty acids are transported to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum where they are combined to form triglycerides.The triglycerides combine with cholesterol and lipoprotein in the smooth ER and Golgi to form chylomicrons.The chylomicrons move out of the epithelial cells by exocytosis into the lacteals found at the centre of each villus.The lacteals lead into the lymph vessels of the lymphatic system.The chylomicrons pass into the blood from the lymphatic system.They are hydrolysed by enzymes in the capillary endothelial cells before they diffuse into cells.