According to the present invention, an absorbent member for use in an absorbent core is provided which efficiently acquires and distributes body fluid throughout its entire structure and which maintains open acquisition area for repeated insults of body fluid. The absorbent member comprises an absorbent medium including a low density fibrous material and higher density absorbent strips distributed throughout the absorbent medium. The absorbent strips may be randomly distributed or distributed in a pattern and can be comprised of any paper, tissue or nonwoven or a laminate of paper and superabsorbents. Further, the present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinent pads, comprised of the absorbent members of the present invention.