Ampulla chylifera seu chyli, also known as the lacteal vessel or the chyle ampulla, is a structure found in the lymphatic system of the human body. It is an enlarged sac-like reservoir that serves as a temporary storage site for a milky white fluid called chyle.
Chyle is a substance formed from the digestion of fats in the small intestine. It is made up of fatty acids, triglycerides, proteins, lymphocytes, and other substances necessary for the absorption and transport of dietary fats. After being synthesized in the intestines, the chyle enters the lacteals, which are specialized lymphatic vessels, and is transported to the ampulla chylifera.
The ampulla chylifera is located in the abdominal cavity, near the spine, behind the stomach. It acts as a collecting and filtering system, allowing the chyle to accumulate before it is further processed and distributed throughout the body. The ampulla chylifera is connected to the cisterna chyli, another component of the lymphatic system, which eventually leads to the thoracic duct.
From the thoracic duct, the chyle is released into the bloodstream, providing essential fats and nutrients to cells and tissues throughout the body. This supports various bodily functions, such as energy production, hormone synthesis, cell membrane formation, and immune system regulation.
In summary, the ampulla chylifera is a reservoir within the lymphatic system that temporarily stores chyle, a fluid formed from the digestion of fats. It plays a crucial role in the absorption and distribution of dietary fats, ensuring the body receives vital nutrients for optimal functioning.
