BILIARY ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Biliary acids, also known as bile acids, are organic compounds that are crucial for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the body. They are produced in the liver from cholesterol and are then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until needed.
Bile acids play a significant role in the breakdown of fat molecules, aiding in their absorption and transport across the intestinal membrane. They act as emulsifying agents, breaking down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzymes to work on and facilitating their digestion.
Furthermore, biliary acids also play a crucial role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin A. These vitamins typically require bile acids to be absorbed effectively by the intestinal lining.
Bile acids are constantly recycled in the body through the enterohepatic circulation. After aiding in digestion, they are reabsorbed in the lower intestine and returned to the liver through the bloodstream to be reused. This recycling process ensures the efficient utilization and conservation of bile acids.
Although mainly associated with their role in digestion, biliary acids also have other physiological functions. They are involved in the elimination of waste products, including cholesterol and bilirubin, from the body. Additionally, they possess antimicrobial properties that help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the small intestine.
In summary, biliary acids are organic compounds derived from cholesterol that are essential for the digestion and absorption of fats. They act as emulsifiers for fats, facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, aid in waste elimination, and possess antimicrobial properties in the gastrointestinal tract.
Etymology of BILIARY ACIDS
The term "biliary acids" is derived from the combination of two words: "bile" and "acids".
1. Bile: The word "bile" originates from the Old English word "bȳl" and the Old Saxon word "bilia", which both meant "bile". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "biliz" and the Proto-Indo-European root word "gwilli", which referred to "viscous, sticky substances". Over time, "bile" specifically came to refer to the digestive juice secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
2. Acids: The word "acids" comes from the Latin term "acidus", which means "sour" or "tart". The Latin word is derived from the Indo-European root word "ak-", meaning "sharp" or "pointed".
