Cholic acid
Cholic Acid
Cholic acid (pronounced /ˈkoʊlɪk ˈæsɪd/) is a major primary bile acid produced in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. It facilitates fat absorption and cholesterol excretion.
Etymology
The term "cholic acid" comes from the Greek word "chole", meaning "bile".
Synthesis
Cholic acid is synthesized in the liver from cholesterol through a process that involves several enzymatic steps. The synthesis of cholic acid is regulated by the rate of cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
Function
Cholic acid aids in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine. It forms micelles, which are tiny droplets that transport fats through the mucus layer of the intestine and increase the surface area for fat digestion by lipase enzymes.
Related Terms
- Bile acid: Bile acids are steroid acids found predominantly in the bile of mammals. Cholic acid is a type of bile acid.
- Cholesterol: Cholic acid is synthesized from cholesterol in the liver.
- Glycocholic acid: This is a bile acid formed by the conjugation of cholic acid with glycine.
- Taurocholic acid: This is a bile acid formed by the conjugation of cholic acid with taurine.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cholic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Cholic acid
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