Question

The intestinal capillaries transport nutrients from the intestines to the A. large intestine. B. liver. C. kidney. D. heart.

Short answer

B. liver.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Role of Intestinal Capillaries

Intestinal capillaries are small blood vessels located in the intestines that are responsible for absorbing nutrients from digested food and transporting them to other parts of the body.

Identify the Correct Pathway

To determine where the intestinal capillaries transport the absorbed nutrients, it's essential to understand the first major organ that receives these nutrients for processing.

Reviewing the Choices

Consider the functions of the large intestine, liver, kidney, and heart: - The large intestine is involved in water absorption and does not directly receive nutrients from intestinal capillaries.- The liver processes and detoxifies nutrients before they circulate to the rest of the body.- The kidneys filter blood and remove waste but are not the first destination for nutrients.- The heart pumps blood throughout the body but does not process nutrients directly from the intestines.

Correct Answer Identification

The liver is the first major organ that receives nutrients absorbed by the intestinal capillaries. The nutrients are transported via the hepatic portal vein directly to the liver for processing.

Key concepts

intestinal capillaries

Intestinal capillaries are tiny blood vessels located within the walls of the intestines. Their primary role is to absorb nutrients from the digested food. Once food is digested and broken down into smaller molecules, these nutrients pass through the walls of the intestines. Here, the capillaries come into play. They capture these nutrients and transport them into the bloodstream. These nutrients can include glucose from carbohydrates, amino acids from proteins, and fatty acids from fats. The efficient functioning of intestinal capillaries is crucial for ensuring our body gets the necessary components to produce energy and support growth and repair processes. Without these capillaries, the nutrients from our food would never reach the cells where they are needed most.

nutrient absorption

Nutrient absorption is the process through which nutrients from digested food move into the bloodstream. After digestion in the stomach and intestines, food breaks down into simple molecules like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. These molecules then pass through the lining of the intestine and enter the intestinal capillaries. Key points about nutrient absorption include:

• Nutrients must be in their simplest form to be absorbed.
• Different parts of the intestine specialize in absorbing different nutrients. For example, the small intestine is responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption.
• Efficient nutrient absorption is essential for maintaining good health, as it influences everything from energy levels to immune function.

If nutrient absorption is impaired, it can lead to deficiencies and cause various health issues. For example, a lack of iron absorption can lead to anemia, and poor absorption of calcium can affect bone health.

hepatic portal vein

The hepatic portal vein is a critical blood vessel that transports nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver. Once nutrients are absorbed by the intestinal capillaries, they are not sent directly into the general circulation. Instead, they first travel to the liver through the hepatic portal vein. This process is important because:

• The liver acts as a checkpoint, processing and detoxifying the nutrients before they enter the broader circulatory system.
• It stores certain nutrients like glycogen and releases them when the body needs energy.
• The liver also produces bile, which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats.

The hepatic portal vein is thus essential in ensuring that the nutrients are adequately processed and rendered safe before being distributed throughout the body.

liver function in digestion

The liver plays a pivotal role in the digestive process. Once the hepatic portal vein delivers nutrient-rich blood to the liver, several crucial functions occur. Here are some key points about the liver's role:

• Detoxification: The liver filters out toxins and other harmful substances from the blood.
• Nutrient Storage: It stores various nutrients, including glycogen, vitamins, and minerals, releasing them as needed.
• Bile Production: The liver produces bile, which is essential for breaking down and absorbing fats in the small intestine.
• Metabolism Regulation: It helps regulate blood sugar levels by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage and breaking it down when energy is needed.

Without these functions, our body would struggle to maintain homeostasis and process the essential nutrients and substances required for energy production, growth, and repair.