bile science definition

A bitter, alkaline, brownish-yellow or greenish-yellow fluid that is secreted by the liver, concentrated and stored in the gallbladder, and discharged into the duodenum of the small intestine. It helps in the digestion of fats and the neutralization of acids, such as the hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach. Bile consists of salts, acids, cholesterol, lipids, pigments, and water.
♦ Bile salts help in the emulsification, digestion, and absorption of fats.
♦ Bile pigments are waste products formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin from old red blood cells.