What is the Difference Between Chyle and Chyme?

Chyle and chyme are two different substances formed during the digestion process. Here are the main differences between them:

• Formation: Chyme is formed in the stomach, while chyle is formed in the small intestine.
• Composition: Chyme is a semifluid mass composed of digestive enzymes and partially digested food. Chyle, on the other hand, is a milky fluid made up of a combination of lymphatic fluid (lymph) and chylomicrons, which are small fat globules containing protein and fat.
• Color and Consistency: Chyme is typically the same color as the food being consumed and has an alkaline pH due to the saliva. Chyle is usually white or light pink in color and has a milky appearance.
• pH: Chyme is acidic in nature, while chyle is basic.

In summary, chyme is an acidic, semifluid mass formed in the stomach, consisting of digestive enzymes and partially digested food. Chyle is a milky, basic fluid formed in the small intestine, composed of lymphatic fluid and fat globules.

Comparative Table: Chyle vs Chyme

The main differences between chyle and chyme are their composition and formation:

Chyme is a mixture of partly digested food and stomach fluids, while chyle is a milky fluid comprising emulsified fat and other components of further digested chyme. Chyme is formed in the stomach, whereas chyle is formed in the small intestine. Chyme is acidic due to the presence of digestive enzymes, whereas chyle is basic in nature, comprising fatty acids.