Chyle

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Chyle is a milky fluid (bodily fluid) consisting of lymph and emulsified fats, or free fatty acids (FFAs). It is formed in the small intestine during digestion of ingested fatty foods and taken up by lymph vessels specifically known as lacteals, unlike other components of digested food that are conveyed by veins. The lacteals are much better suited for the transport of free fatty acids away from the gastrointestinal tract. Free fatty acids can be rather large molecules. As a vessel of the lymphatic system fluid flows easily into lacteals because there is a lower pressure in those vessels.[1] [2]

[edit] Pathology

A chyle fistula is a leakage of lymphatic fluid from the lymphatic vessels, typically accumulating in the thoracic or abdominal cavities. [3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Magendie, Par F. Elementary Treatise on Human Physiology originally published in French 1838, translated into English and published 1855 by Harper Brothers, New York
  2. ^ Lipid Transport and Digestion
  3. ^ Tessier, Deron J , MD, Chyle fistula eMedicine; Jan 10, 2008; accessed Feb 2008

[edit] External links

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See also:chylomicron