What is the primary function of bile in the digestive process?

The primary function of bile in the digestive process is to emulsify fats. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed in the small intestine. When fats enter the small intestine, bile salts present in bile help to break down large fat globules into smaller droplets. This process, known as emulsification, increases the surface area of fats, making them more accessible to digestive enzymes like lipase. Through emulsification, bile facilitates the digestion and subsequent absorption of dietary fats, thereby playing a crucial role in lipid digestion.

While neutralizing stomach acid is another important function in the digestive process, that task is primarily accomplished by bicarbonate from the pancreas. Absorbing vitamins occurs later in the digestive process once the food has been broken down, and bile does not break down carbohydrates; this is the role of specific enzymes like amylase.