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In human biology, what emulsifies fat in the small intestine?

Question #85192. Asked by jonnowales.
Last updated Sep 12 2021.

ak2 star
Answer has 6 votes
ak2 star
17 year member
103 replies

Answer has 6 votes.
Bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsifies fat in the small intestine.

link http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/liver/bile.html

Response last updated by CmdrK on Jan 24 2018.
Aug 31 2007, 1:18 PM
MonkeyOnALeash
Answer has 4 votes
MonkeyOnALeash

Answer has 4 votes.
Lipase.

"In the example of human pancreatic lipase (HPL), which is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in the human digestive system, a lipase acts to convert triglyceride substrates found in oils from food to monoglycerides and free fatty acids."

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipase

I only know this because of an issue I had with MY Pancreas back in 1984. It WAS the MOST painful occurrence in my life.

Aug 31 2007, 3:34 PM
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jonnowales
Answer has 3 votes
jonnowales
19 year member
115 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.
MonkeyOnALeash, I too have had pancreatic problems and I agree, it is one of the most painful areas of the body to have an illness.

I think though, that it is bile that emulsifies fat and lipase that digests lipids into fatty acids and glycerol - but all stuff is welcome - I adore this topic.

Aug 31 2007, 4:07 PM
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zbeckabee star
Answer has 7 votes
Currently Best Answer
zbeckabee star
Moderator
18 year member
11752 replies avatar

Answer has 7 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
Fat is also digested in the small intestine when bile (from the liver) emulsifies fats and lipase (from the pancreas) break down triglycerides...

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipase

The bile emulsifies the fat, the way soap breaks up grease. Like soap, bile does not really dissolve the fat, but rather breaks it down into tiny particles, which are then more easily broken down by the intestinal enzyme lipase for absorption into the bloodstream.

link https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z9pv34j/revision/2

Response last updated by satguru on Sep 12 2021.
Aug 31 2007, 5:26 PM
MonkeyOnALeash
Answer has 2 votes
MonkeyOnALeash

Answer has 2 votes.
Bile DOES emulsify and Lipase does adhere so digestion/uptake can occur.

Aug 31 2007, 6:26 PM
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