In: Nursing
explain how lipids are digested,absorbed, and transported in the body
Digestion of lipids: It majorly takes place in the small intestine by the action of the bile along with the bile salts, acting as emulsifier for the digestion of lipids. It results in the breakdown of the larger fat/ lipid droplets into the smaller fat droplets and finally by the action of the pancreatic enzyme lipase the digestion of lipids takes place.
Absorption of lipids: The absorption takes place after the digestion, in this the short chain fatty acids are firstly absorbed in the stomach. Further triglycerides and cholesterol are absorbed in the cytosol of epithelial cells in the form of chylomicrons, the large particle containing bundles.T
Transportation of Lipids: The major lipid transport forms takes place in the form of free fatty acid, triglyceride as well as cholesteryl esterwhere they enter into the core of plasma lipoproteins. The dietary fats are transported in the form of chylomicrons or lipoproteins to thge various tissues of the body. The lipd transportation through the blood is also seen once they cross the intestinal membrane.