5.3 Lipids in the Digestive Tract

Question 1

Where does most of the digestion of dietary fat take place?

Answer 1

the small intestine

Question 2

What is the function of lipase?

Answer 2

First, fat is broken into small globules.

The pancreas produces the enzyme pancreatic lipase, which is released into the small intestine to break down triglycerides in the small globules into fatty acids and monoglycerides.

Question 3

What are micelles?

Answer 3

Particles are formed in the small intestine when the products of fat digestion are surrounded by bile acids. They facilitate the absorption of fat.

Question 4

What is the role of bile acids in fat absorption?

Answer 4

They act as emulsifiers. They break fat into small globules.
The liver produces bile, it is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine.

Question 5

Where does a little bit of the digestion of dietary fat take place?

Answer 5

the stomach - due to lipases produced in the mouth and stomach

Question 6

How much fat is lost in feces?

Answer 6

Very little. Fat absorption in the small intestine is very efficient.