Which of the following is a function of bile?

Prepare for the Rutgers Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with our study guide. Practice with flashcards and interactive quizzes. Understand complex topics easily with explanations provided for each question.

Bile plays a crucial role in the digestive process, particularly concerning fats. The primary function of bile is the emulsification of fats, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of dietary lipids. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, contains bile salts that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. This allows them to interact with fat molecules and break them down into smaller droplets. Emulsification increases the surface area of fats, making them more accessible for digestive enzymes, specifically lipases, to break them down into fatty acids and glycerol for absorption in the intestines.

While bile does influence other processes related to digestion, such as assisting in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and helping with the overall digestive function, its primary role is the emulsification of fats, making this the correct answer.

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