Final answer:
The liver aids in fat digestion by producing bile, which emulsifies fat, making it easier for digestive enzymes to work. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the small intestine to continue the process of digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The liver's special cells assist in fat digestion by producing bile. Bile is a critical substance that helps to break down large globules of fats into smaller ones, a process known as emulsification. This reduction in size makes the fat molecules more accessible to digestive enzymes, which are mainly produced in the pancreas and the small intestine.
The gallbladder works in conjunction with the liver by storing and concentrating bile. Upon the presence of fatty contents in the food arriving at the duodenum, the gallbladder releases bile to facilitate further digestion. The bile salts in the bile emulsify lipids, aiding in their digestion and absorption within the small intestine.
Additionally, bile serves to neutralize the highly acidic food mixture that comes from the stomach into the duodenum, creating a more favorable environment for the digestive enzymes to function effectively.