In human biology, what emulsifies fat in the small intestine?

ak2	Bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsifies fat in the small intestine. http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/index.aspx?puid=ae3a2fe5-b4be-43cb-a4ff-4bd72e9f70fd&p=6 Aug 31 07, 1:18 PM

MonkeyOnALeash

Lipase. "In the example of human pancreatic lipase (HPL), which is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in the human digestive system, a lipase acts to convert triglyceride substrates found in oils from food to monoglycerides and free fatty acids." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipase I only know this because of an issue I had with MY Pancreas back in 1984. It WAS the MOST painful occurrence in my life. Aug 31 07, 3:34 PM

jonnowales

MonkeyOnALeash, I too have had pancreatic problems and I agree, it is one of the most painful areas of the body to have an illness. I think though, that it is bile that emulsifies fat and lipase that digests lipids into fatty acids and glycerol - but all stuff is welcome - I adore this topic. Aug 31 07, 4:07 PM

zbeckabee

Fat is also digested in the small intestine when bile (from the liver) emulsifies fats and lipase (from the pancreas) break down triglycerides... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipase The bile emulsifies the fat, the way soap breaks up grease. Like soap, bile does not really dissolve the fat, but rather breaks it down into tiny particles, which are then more easily broken down by the intestinal enzyme lipase for absorption into the bloodstream. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T042000.asp Aug 31 07, 5:26 PM

MonkeyOnALeash

Bile DOES emulsify and Lipase does adhere so digestion/uptake can occur. Aug 31 07, 6:26 PM