Download Distinguish between absorption and assimilation

ABSORPTION AND ASSIMILATION
When digestion is complete, the digested food must be moved from the digestive
system into the blood system for movement around the body. This process is
called ABSORPTION and it occurs in the small intestine. As you have already
learnt, the small intestine is specially adapted for this function.
Molecules can pass from the cavity (lumen) of the small intestine through the
epithelium of the villi into the blood capillary network or the lacteals.
Small molecules such as amino acids and monosaccharides enter the blood
capillary network and are carried away by the blood.
Larger molecules from fat (lipid) digestion enter the lacteal. The lacteal empties
its contents into the lymph system, which eventually empties its contents into the
blood system.
The uptake of nutrients into cells and tissues and consequent building up into
more complex substances (as opposed to breaking down for the release of
energy, which is respiration) is called ASSIMILATION.
KQ 1 Distinguish between absorption and assimilation.