Question

One of the liver's functions is the production of bile, which helps emulsify lipids in the intestinal contents so they can be effectively digested. is there any reason to think mrs. f's liver is not performing this function?

Answer 1

The liver's function is to produce bile juice which is alkaline in nature i.e. the pH of bile is more than 7. The function of this bile juice is to emulsify (the process of making two immiscible liquids as miscible) fats within our intestine. For emulsification, large fat molecules are broken down into smaller fat droplets which are rather soluble in water. Subsequently, in order to digest these small fat droplets, they are broken down into their component parts i.e. glycerol and fatty acids.

But, when somebody's liver ceases to work, it is unable to produce bile juice as a result of which fat is not digested in the body and these fat molecules then tend to accumulate under the skin in the adipose tissue of various body parts especially in abdominal, thighs, hips, chest region. If mrs. f's body is gaining excessive weight then it is possible that her liver is malfunctioned.

Answer 2

The liver produces bile, that is, a soapy compound, which emulsifies lipids. The liver generates bile that comprises enzymes, and these enzymes emulsify fat into glycerides and fatty acids.

The bile juice emulsifies fats in the intestinal contents so that they can be digested efficiently. In case, when the liver does not perform the function properly of secreting bile, then the weight of an individual increase, which indicates that the liver of the person is not generating sufficient bile to monitor the digestion of lipid.