Bile, a fluid produced by the liver, plays a crucial role in digestion. Its primary functions are:
- Aids in the digestion of fat via fat emulsification: Bile acts like a detergent, breaking down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing their surface area for easier digestion by enzymes.
- Absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins: The smaller fat droplets formed by bile are more easily absorbed by the small intestine, along with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
- Excretion of bilirubin and excess cholesterol: Bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, is eliminated from the body through bile. Bile also helps remove excess cholesterol from the liver.
