Lacteal: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฅ
lacteal
[ หlรฆkteษl ]
anatomy function
Lacteals are tiny lymphatic vessels located in the villi of the small intestine that are responsible for the absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the intestinal tract. They play a crucial role in the digestive system by transporting these substances into the lymphatic system before they enter the bloodstream.
Synonyms
fat-absorbing vessel, lymphatic vessel
Examples of usage
- Lacteals absorb fats from the digested food.
- The lacteal system helps in the transportation of vitamins.
- Each villus contains a lacteal for fat absorption.
Translations
Translations of the word "lacteal" in other languages:
๐ต๐น lacteal
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฆเฅเคง เคจเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Laktal
๐ฎ๐ฉ laktal
๐บ๐ฆ ะปะฐะบัะตะฐะปัะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ laktalny
๐ฏ๐ต ไนณ่ บใฎ
๐ซ๐ท lactรฉal
๐ช๐ธ lacteal
๐น๐ท laktoz
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ์ฆ๊ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญููุจู
๐จ๐ฟ laktรกlnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ laktรกlny
๐จ๐ณ ไนณ่ บ็
๐ธ๐ฎ laktalni
๐ฎ๐ธ mjรณlkur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฏั ัะฐะผััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฅแขแแแแฃแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ laktal
๐ฒ๐ฝ lacteal
Word origin
The term 'lacteal' originates from the Latin word 'lacteus,' which means 'milky,' derived from 'lac,' meaning 'milk.' This terminology is reflective of the appearance of the lymphatic fluid, which is milky in color due to the presence of fat globules after a fatty meal. The use of the word 'lacteal' in medical literature dates back to the early seventeenth century when anatomists began to better understand the lymphatic system's structure and function. Historically, these vessels were first described in detail by the Italian anatomist Marco Aurelio Severino in 1643, who observed and documented their role in nutrient absorption. Over time, the understanding of lacteals expanded, highlighting their importance not only in fat absorption but also in immune functions within the lymphatic system.