Functions of gall bladder and bile

Functions of gall bladder

1. Storage of bile and concentrating the bile.
2. Delays the absorption of bile salts from the intestine by the addition of mucin to the bile.
3. Prevents excess absorption of bile.
4. Assisting stabilization of fat emulsion in the intestine.

Functions of Bile

1. Bile acids brings about the absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins like vit.A,D, E  and K.
2. High content of HCO₃ in the bile maintains  alkalinity for optimal enzymatic reaction in the intestine .
3. Mucin and pseudomucin in the bile act as a stabilizers of fat emulsion in the intestine.
4. Bile has a marked antiseptic property and regulates the bacterial growth in the bowel.
5. Bile has a mild laxative effect.
6. In the absence of bile in the intestine, fat absorption is reduced and other food particles like proteins are coated with fat or fatty acids, escape enzymatic digestion leads to putrification of protein which gives offensive odour to feces.