The finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients are called villi. Villi contain a lacteal, which is a branch of the lymph vessel at the center. Blood vessels in the villi divide into smaller branches that join back together to form veins, with a network of capillaries connecting the arteries and veins. The villi absorb digested food particles, glucose, amino acids and fatty acids, with fats entering the lymph.