Bile acid
Bile Acid
Bile acid (pronunciation: /ˈbaɪl ˈæsɪd/) is a type of acid that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
Etymology
The term "bile acid" is derived from the Latin word "bilis", which means "bile", and the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour" or "sharp". The term reflects the acidic nature of these compounds.
Function
Bile acids are essential for the emulsification of dietary fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. They act as detergents to solubilize fats in water and aid in their absorption into the body.
Types of Bile Acids
There are two primary bile acids, chenodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid, which are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. These primary bile acids can be metabolized by bacteria in the intestine into secondary bile acids, deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid.
Related Terms
- Cholesterol: A type of fat that is used to make bile acids.
- Gallbladder: The organ where bile acids are stored.
- Liver: The organ where bile acids are produced.
- Small Intestine: The part of the digestive tract where bile acids aid in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bile acid
- Wikipedia's article - Bile acid
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