What does the ileum absorb?

1 Answer
Nov 18, 2016

The function of the ileum is mainly to absorb vitamin B12 and bile salts and whatever products of digestion were not absorbed by the jejunum.

Explanation:

The ileum is the final section of the small intestines in most higher vertebrates.
The wall is lined up with tiny finger like projections called villi, on its surface . Therefore the ileum has an extremely large surface area for the absorbtion of products of digestiion.
These absorb fatty acids and glycerol, the products of fat digestion. The villi also contain large numbers of capillaries that take the amino acids and glucose produced by digestion to the hepatic portal vein and the liver.