Bile acids are a type of steroid acid that is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. They are an essential component of the digestive system and play a crucial role in the breakdown and absorption of fats.
Definitions
Bile acids are a group of steroid acids that are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and secreted into the bile. They are amphipathic in nature, meaning they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, which allows them to solubilize and transport fats in the digestive system.
Origin
Bile acids are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and are then secreted into the bile. They are stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when food enters the digestive system.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bile acids are “any of various acids that are present in bile and are derived from cholesterol, that aid in the emulsification, digestion, and absorption of fats, and that are used in the synthesis of steroid hormones.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bile acids as “a group of steroid acids that are synthesized in the liver and secreted into the bile, where they aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.”
Associations
Bile acids are an essential component of the digestive system and play a crucial role in the breakdown and absorption of fats. They are also involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and the synthesis of steroid hormones.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bile acids include cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and lithocholic acid.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of bile acids.
The same root words
Bile acids are derived from cholesterol, which is a type of steroid. They are also related to other steroid hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.
Example Sentences
- Bile acids are essential for the digestion and absorption of fats in the digestive system.
- The liver synthesizes bile acids from cholesterol and secretes them into the bile.
- The regulation of cholesterol metabolism is closely linked to the synthesis of bile acids.
- Cholic acid and deoxycholic acid are two common types of bile acids found in the digestive system.