Which small lipid components are most likely to be absorbed directly into blood capillaries (portal circulation) rather than packaged into chylomicrons for lymphatic transport?

• A. Micelle cores themselves, which are internalized intact by blood capillaries via receptor-mediated uptake and then unpacked within hepatic sinusoids prior to chylomicron formation.
• B. Large cholesteryl ester–rich complexes that spontaneously dissolve in aqueous plasma and are transported to the liver immediately after luminal absorption without chylomicron involvement.
• C. Short-chain fatty acids and glycerol, which are small enough and relatively more water-soluble to diffuse into blood capillaries.
• D. Long-chain triglycerides such as those with 18–22 carbon chains, which are small and hydrophilic enough to pass directly through endothelial fenestrations into portal blood without reassembly into triglycerides.

Answer: (C)