key term - Bile

Definition

Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps break down fats into fatty acids, which can be taken into the body by the digestive tract. It also aids in the elimination of waste products from the blood.

Related terms

Liver:

The liver is a large vital organ that performs many critical functions including producing bile, filtering toxins from the blood, and metabolizing drugs and nutrients.

Gallbladder:

The gallbladder is a small pouch that stores bile produced by the liver until it is needed for digestion.

Fatty acids: Fatty acids are basic units of fats that have been broken down by bile and are essential for energy production and cell structure within the body