Which term means the movement of digested nutrients from the gut into the blood or lymph?

Which term means the movement of digested nutrients from the gut into the blood or lymph?

• A. Absorption
• B. Digestion
• C. Assimilation
• D. Egestion

Answer: (A)

Absorption is the movement of digested nutrients from the gut into the blood or lymph. After digestion breaks food into small, usable molecules, these nutrients cross the lining of the small intestine and enter blood capillaries or lymphatic vessels (lacteals) in the villi. From there, they’re carried to cells throughout the body to be used for energy, growth, and repair. This distinguishes it from digestion, which is the process of breaking food down into smaller molecules; assimilation, which is the use of absorbed nutrients by body cells; and egestion, which is the removal of undigested waste from the body.

Absorption is the movement of digested nutrients from the gut into the blood or lymph. After digestion breaks food into small, usable molecules, these nutrients cross the lining of the small intestine and enter blood capillaries or lymphatic vessels (lacteals) in the villi. From there, they’re carried to cells throughout the body to be used for energy, growth, and repair. This distinguishes it from digestion, which is the process of breaking food down into smaller molecules; assimilation, which is the use of absorbed nutrients by body cells; and egestion, which is the removal of undigested waste from the body.