# Explain why absorbed fatty acids and glycerol enter the lacteals rather than the blood capillaries in the ileum wall.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 7.5 Absorption · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fatty acids and glycerol are reassembled / recombined into fats after absorption through the epithelial cells.
2. Fats / lipids are too large to pass into blood capillaries.
3. Lacteals are lymphatic vessels that can absorb large fat molecules / droplets.
4. Fats then enter the bloodstream via the lymphatic system.

## Key terms

- [lacteals](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/lacteals)
- [fatty acids](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fatty-acids)
- [glycerol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glycerol)
- [ileum](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ileum)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-absorbed-fatty-acids-and-ddf0a014) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.