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bile |
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bileBrownish alkaline fluid produced by the liver. Bile is stored in the gall bladder and is intermittently released into the small intestine (the duodenum), which is part of the gut, in order to help digestion. Bile contains chemicals that emulsify fats. In other words it acts to disperse fat globules into tiny droplets, which speeds up their digestion. Bile consists of bile salts, bile pigments, cholesterol, and lecithin. The bile salts assist in the breakdown and absorption of fats, while bile pigments are the breakdown products of old red blood cells, which are passed into the gut to be eliminated with the faeces. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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One theory: it stimulates the gallbladder to contract, which helps empty it of stone-forming cholesterol and bile pigments. Bile pigments are colored materials that are contained in the juice the liver pours out into the intestines. |
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Bile pigments
