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Definition: How does the liver break down fats?

The liver plays a crucial role in the breakdown of fats in the body. It is responsible for producing bile, a substance that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. The process of breaking down fats in the liver involves several steps.

Step 1: Emulsification

The first step in fat breakdown is emulsification. Bile, produced by the liver, is released into the small intestine. Bile contains bile salts, which act as emulsifiers. These bile salts break down large fat droplets into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzymes to act upon.

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Step 2: Lipase Action

Once the fats are emulsified, pancreatic lipase, an enzyme produced by the pancreas, comes into play. Lipase breaks down the triglycerides (the main type of fat) into fatty acids and glycerol. This process occurs in the small intestine.

Step 3: Absorption

After the fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, they are absorbed by the small intestine. The lining of the small intestine has specialized cells called enterocytes that facilitate the absorption of these breakdown products.

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Step 4: Transport and Metabolism

Once absorbed, the fatty acids and glycerol are transported to the liver through the bloodstream. In the liver, these fatty acids undergo further metabolism. They can be used as a source of energy, stored as triglycerides for later use, or converted into other compounds such as cholesterol.

Conclusion

The liver plays a vital role in the breakdown of fats. Through the production of bile and the action of enzymes, fats are emulsified, broken down into smaller components, absorbed, and metabolized in the liver. This process is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of fats in the body and ensuring proper digestion and utilization of dietary fats.

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Keywords: breakdown, intestine, absorption, process, lipase, glycerol, absorbed, digestion, emulsification