Biology / Unit 12 Bio 2795 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Lipid Digestion: Emulsification
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The idea
Bile salts emulsify large fat globules into small ones, multiplying the surface area pancreatic lipase needs to break triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerides for absorption.
In practice
Absorbed fatty acids recombine inside intestinal cells into triglyceride-carrying chylomicrons before entering lymphatic vessels.
Where people slip
Bile does not itself digest fat chemically — emulsification only exposes more surface area for lipase to act on.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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