How do lipids move through the body so they can be digested and absorbed?
(2) How are lipids stored in the body?
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Bile that is produced in the liver and secreted from the gallbladder helps to break down fats into smaller particles. Those smaller particles are broken down by material produced by the pancreas, enzymes. The smaller particles are called micelles add to the absorption of the lipids. After the digested lipids are absorbed; the secreted bile returns to the liver. The production of bile is how lipids move through the body to be digested and absorbed in the small intestine.
(1) Lipids, or fats, are essential nutrients that need to be digested and absorbed by the body for various functions. The process of lipid digestion and absorption primarily occurs in the gastrointestinal system. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how lipids move through the body:
1. Mouth: Lipid digestion begins in the mouth, where mechanical breakdown by chewing occurs. However, minimal digestion of lipids occurs in this step.
2. Stomach: Lipids enter the stomach, where they undergo mechanical mixing and some chemical breakdown due to the gastric lipase enzyme. However, the majority of lipid digestion occurs further along in the intestines.
3. Small intestine: The small intestine is the main site of lipid digestion and absorption. When lipids reach the small intestine, bile salts, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsify the lipids into smaller droplets, making them more accessible to enzymes.
i. Pancreatic lipase: Pancreatic lipase, secreted by the pancreas, breaks down the lipids into fatty acids and monoglycerides, which are easily absorbed.
ii. Bile salts: Bile salts help in the emulsification of lipids and enhance the action of lipases. They also aid in solubilizing the products of lipid digestion into micelles, which increases their absorption efficiency.
4. Absorption: The fatty acids and monoglycerides resulting from lipid digestion are then absorbed into the cells lining the small intestine (enterocytes). Inside these cells, the fatty acids and monoglycerides are reassembled into triglycerides.
5. Formation of chylomicrons: Once triglycerides are formed, they combine with proteins to form chylomicrons. Chylomicrons are larger lipoproteins that transport lipids through the lymphatic system.
6. Circulation and storage: Chylomicrons travel through the lymphatic system into larger lymph vessels called the thoracic duct. From there, they enter the bloodstream, allowing lipids to be transported throughout the body. The lipids can then be utilized for energy production or stored in adipose tissue for future use.
(2) Lipids are primarily stored in the body as triglycerides in adipose tissue, commonly known as body fat. When there is an excess intake of calories, the body stores the excess energy as triglycerides for later use. These triglycerides accumulate within fat cells called adipocytes in adipose tissue, which are located beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) or around internal organs (visceral fat). These stored triglycerides can be broken down and utilized as an energy source when the body's energy needs exceed its current calorie intake.