Absorbent article formed with microlayered film

1. An absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable intake region, a liquid retention region which performs the primary liquid retention function of the absorbent article, a liquid impermeable barrier region, and a plurality of strips comprising a microlayer structure located between the liquid retention region and the liquid impermeable barrier region, the strips being configured to distribute liquid that moves through the liquid retention region for absorption by the liquid retention region.

2. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the strips are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction of the absorbent article.

3. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a liquid uptake and distribution region located generally between the liquid intake region and the liquid retention region.

4. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liquid retention region comprises an absorbent core of superabsorbent material and cellulose fibers.

5. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liquid permeable intake region is a nonwoven body-side liner.

6. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a microlayer structure providing surge capacity and liquid distribution, the microlayer structure being located adjacent the liquid permeable intake region.

7. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the strips of the plurality of strips comprises channels for distributing liquid for absorption by the liquid retention region.

8. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the strips of the plurality of strips is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the absorbent article.

9. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the strips of the plurality of strips has a width that is less than or equal to about 3 centimeters.