How do chylomicrons transport dietary fat after it is absorbed?

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Chylomicrons are large lipoprotein particles synthesized by the absorptive cells of the intestinal lining following the digestion and re-synthesis of dietary fat into triglycerides.12

Once formed in the Golgi apparatus, these vesicles are secreted into the lymphatic system via specialized vessels called lacteals. They travel through the lymph and enter the blood circulation at the subclavian vein, typically via the thoracic duct.12

In the bloodstream, chylomicrons transport their lipid cargo—primarily triglycerides and cholesteryl esters—to peripheral tissues, including adipose tissue, heart muscle, and skeletal muscle. As these tissues extract the lipids, the chylomicrons shrink into remnant particles, which are eventually taken up by the liver for further processing.13