=Absorption.=--The way in which the various digested foods are absorbed has been stated in several preceding topics. What is the name of the organs of absorption in the small intestine? Which of the following pass into the lacteals, and which into the capillaries of the portal vein: sugar, digested proteid, emulsified fats? Water and salt need no digestion, and are absorbed all along the food tube, the absorption beginning even in the mouth. What reasons can you give for the absorption of food being many times greater in the small intestine than in the stomach? Through what large tube is the fat carried in passing from the lacteals to the veins? Into what large vein do all the capillaries that take part in absorption empty? (Colored Fig. 5.) What is the provision for storing the sugar so that it will not pass suddenly into the blood after a meal, but may be given to the blood gradually? Food is assimilated, or changed into living matter (protoplasm), in the cells. Blood and lymph (except the white corpuscles) are not living matter. (Fig. 100.) [Illustration: FIG. 100.--THE TWO PATHS OF FOOD ABSORPTION. Thoracic duct (for fats); through the portal vein and liver (for all other foods).] THOUGHT QUESTIONS. =The Digestive Organs.=--=1.= In which of the digestive organs is only one kind of secretion furnished by glands? =2.= In which organ are three kinds of secretions furnished by glands? =3.= Which class of food goes through the lymphatics? =4.= Which classes of foods go through the liver? =5.= Which classes of foods are digested in only one organ? =6.= Which classes of foods are digested in two organs? =7.= Which division of the food tube is longest? Broadest? Least active? Most active? =8.= Soup is absorbed quickly; why does eating it at the beginning of a meal tend to prevent overeating?