BILE SALTS Meaning and
Definition
-
Bile salts are a group of compounds that are synthesized in the liver cells and secreted in the bile fluid, which is a greenish-yellow digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. These salts are essential for the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
Bile salts are primarily composed of cholesterol derivatives, such as cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. They are critical for the emulsification and solubilization of dietary fats into smaller droplets, allowing the enzyme lipase to break them down into fatty acids and glycerol. Moreover, bile salts play a vital role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), cholesterol, and other lipids in the small intestine.
One of the primary functions of bile salts is their role as natural detergents, facilitating the digestion and absorption of fats. They possess both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, which allow them to surround and break down fat globules into smaller micelles. This process increases the surface area available for enzymatic digestion and enhances the absorption of fatty acids and other lipids by the intestinal cells.
After aiding in fat digestion and absorption, most of the bile salts are reabsorbed in the lower small intestine and recycled back to the liver through the enterohepatic circulation. Only a small fraction is lost in the feces, which is replaced by new bile salt synthesis in the liver.
In summary, bile salts are cholesterol-derived compounds that play a crucial role in fat digestion and absorption. Their ability to emulsify fats and enhance their breakdown into smaller molecules allows for efficient absorption of essential nutrients in the small intestine.
Common Misspellings for BILE SALTS
- bile salt
- vile salts
- nile salts
- hile salts
- gile salts
- bule salts
- bjle salts
- bkle salts
- bole salts
- b9le salts
- b8le salts
- bike salts
- bipe salts
- bioe salts
- bilw salts
- bils salts
- bild salts
- bilr salts
- bil4 salts
- bil3 salts
Etymology of BILE SALTS
The word "bile" originates from the Old English word "bīle", which itself derives from the Old English word "bȳle/bȳle". These words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*būli-", meaning "swelling, blister". This in turn is related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bheu-", denoting "to swell, to be puffed up". The term "bile" refers to the digestive fluid that is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
The term "salts", on the other hand, has its roots in the Latin word "sal", which means "salt". This Latin term likely comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sal-", meaning "salt".
Similar spelling words for BILE SALTS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
