BILE ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Bile acids refer to a group of organic acids that are naturally produced in the liver and are a vital component of bile, a digestive fluid essential for the proper digestion and absorption of dietary fats. These acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver cells and are subsequently stored in the gallbladder. They play a significant role in the emulsification and solubilization of dietary fats, aiding in their breakdown into smaller molecules and facilitating their absorption in the intestine.
Bile acids possess unique chemical structures consisting of a steroid backbone and a carboxylic acid group. They come in two primary forms: primary bile acids and secondary bile acids. Primary bile acids, such as cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, are initially synthesized in the liver, while secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid, are formed through the action of gut bacteria that metabolize primary bile acids.
In addition to their crucial role in fat digestion, bile acids also act as signaling molecules that help regulate various physiological processes. They function as ligands for specific receptors, such as the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5), which are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and inflammation.
Overall, bile acids are integral to the process of fat digestion and absorption, as well as playing a crucial role in the regulation of several physiological functions.
Common Misspellings for BILE ACIDS
- bile acied
- bile acid
- vile acids
- nile acids
- hile acids
- gile acids
- bule acids
- bjle acids
- bkle acids
- bole acids
- b9le acids
- b8le acids
- bike acids
- bipe acids
- bioe acids
- bilw acids
- bils acids
- bild acids
- bilr acids
- bil4 acids
Etymology of BILE ACIDS
The word "bile acids" has its origin in two different etymologies.
The term "bile" comes from the Old English word "bȳle" or "bȳl", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "būilō" meaning "boil" or "swell". It is likely related to the Old High German word "buol" and the Old Norse word "bolla", both having similar meanings. Over time, "bile" came to specifically refer to the digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
The term "acid" traces its roots to the Latin word "acidus", meaning "sour" or "sharp". This Latin word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*h2ek-i-", which signifies "sharpness" or "biting".
Similar spelling words for BILE ACIDS
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