HealthSeptember 2, 2026

lacteal

LAK-tee-uhl

Definition

A tiny lymphatic vessel located in the villi of the small intestine that is responsible for absorbing dietary fats.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'lacteus,' meaning 'milky,' because the fluid within these vessels, known as chyle, has a milky white appearance due to the presence of emulsified fats.

In the news

The study found that fructose consumption influences the growth of lacteals in the ileum, which ultimately dictates how much dietary fat the body absorbs.

Scientists Uncover a Surprising Way Fructose May Promote Obesity

Read the full article ↗

ScienceAlert

Related words

catabolism

The metabolic process in living organisms that breaks down complex molecules into simpler…

Health

ileum

The final and longest section of the small intestine, situated between the jejunum and…

Health

macrophages

A type of white blood cell that detects, engulfs, and destroys pathogens and plays a…

Health

murine

Relating to or characteristic of mice or rats.

Health

steatotic

Relating to or characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat within cells, typically…

Health

villi

Tiny, finger-like projections lining the inner surface of the small intestine that…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.