BILE ALCOHOLS Meaning and
Definition
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Bile alcohols are a group of chemical compounds that are derived from cholesterol and are found in bile, a substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile alcohols play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the body.
These compounds are synthesized in the liver through a series of enzymatic reactions involving cholesterol. Bile alcohols, also known as primary bile acids, include cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. In the liver, they are conjugated with the amino acids glycine or taurine to form bile salts. These bile salts are then stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the breakdown and emulsification of dietary fats.
Once in the small intestine, bile alcohols facilitate the digestion of fats by solubilizing them into smaller lipid droplets, increasing their surface area, and allowing for the action of lipase enzymes. They also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
After their function in digestion, bile alcohols are reabsorbed in the small intestine and recycled back to the liver through a process called enterohepatic circulation. In the liver, they can be further modified or converted into secondary bile acids by intestinal bacteria.
Overall, bile alcohols are integral to the process of fat digestion and absorption in the body, contributing to overall metabolic homeostasis and nutrient utilization.
Common Misspellings for BILE ALCOHOLS
- vile alcohols
- nile alcohols
- hile alcohols
- gile alcohols
- bule alcohols
- bjle alcohols
- bkle alcohols
- bole alcohols
- b9le alcohols
- b8le alcohols
- bike alcohols
- bipe alcohols
- bioe alcohols
- bilw alcohols
- bils alcohols
- bild alcohols
- bilr alcohols
- bil4 alcohols
- bil3 alcohols
- bile zlcohols
Etymology of BILE ALCOHOLS
The word "bile alcohols" is derived from two components: "bile" and "alcohols".
1. Bile: The word "bile" originates from Latin "bilis", which means "bitter". It further stems from the Proto-Indo-European root "gʷei-", meaning "to be bitter". Bile is a vital fluid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aiding in digestion by emulsifying fats and facilitating their absorption.
2. Alcohols: The term "alcohol" comes from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl" (الكحل), which refers to various types of powdered antimony or kohl—a cosmetic preparation used as eyeliner. The term was later extended by medieval alchemists to include other substances with similar properties.
Similar spelling word for BILE ALCOHOLS
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