Final answer:
The process by which bile disassembles large fat globules into small droplets in the small intestine is known as emulsification, increasing the fats' surface area for better enzyme digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process in which bile breaks apart large globules of fat is called emulsification. Bile is a crucial digestive fluid that is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It contains bile salts and phospholipids, which are amphipathic molecules having both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ends. These components play a vital role during the emulsification of lipids. When mixed with fats in the small intestine, bile salts surround the fat globules, with their hydrophilic ends outwards, creating a stable emulsion that prevents the globules from re-merging. This breakdown into tiny droplets substantially increases the surface area of the fats, making them more accessible to lipid-digesting enzymes like lipase for more efficient digestion.