Does the bile duct release bile into the small intestine? And what does bile do?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile_duct

thanks!

You're welcome.

Yes, the bile duct does release bile into the small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.

To understand how bile is released into the small intestine, let's break it down step by step:

1. Production: Bile is continuously produced by the liver cells. It contains substances such as bile salts, bilirubin, cholesterol, phospholipids, and water.

2. Storage: The bile produced by the liver is then transported to the gallbladder through the hepatic ducts. The gallbladder acts as a storage organ for bile, concentrating it by removing water.

3. Release: When we eat a meal, especially one that contains fats, it stimulates the release of a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) from the small intestine. CCK then signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the small intestine.

4. Transportation: The release of bile from the gallbladder is facilitated through the common bile duct. This duct connects the gallbladder and the liver to the small intestine, specifically the duodenum.

5. Digestion: Bile aids in the digestion of fats. It emulsifies fat molecules, breaking them down into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area available for enzymes to act upon. This process, called emulsification, helps pancreatic enzymes called lipases to efficiently break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, allowing for their absorption in the small intestine.

So, in summary, the bile duct releases bile into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. Bile plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats by emulsifying fat molecules and aiding in their breakdown by pancreatic enzymes.