# Explain why the products of fat digestion enter the lacteals rather than the blood capillaries in the ileum, and describe what happens to these products after they leave the lacteals.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fatty acids and glycerol are too large / insoluble to enter blood capillaries directly
2. Fatty acids and glycerol recombine to form fats / lipid droplets inside the epithelial cells before entering the lacteals
3. The lacteals are part of the lymphatic system, so the absorbed fats travel through lymph vessels
4. The lymphatic system eventually drains into the bloodstream, so the fats enter the blood and are transported around the body

## Key terms

- [lacteals](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/lacteals)

## 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-the-products-of-fat-dd55afaf) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.