What is bile and what is the biliary system? Bile is a greenish substance produced by the cells of the liver (hepatocytes) which aids in the digestion of fats. It emulsifies fats, causing the fats to accumulate into droplets which can be easily absorbed in the small intestine. It also aids in the absorption of so call fat soluble vitamins, vitamins A, D, E and K. Bile is also the way the body disposes of hemoglobin from old red blood cells which are no longer functional. This is what makes bile green and stool brown. Once hepatocytes have made bile it is transported to the duodenum, the segment of small intestine right after the stomach, where it is secreted through a small hole known as the Ampulla of Vater. It can then form droplets with fat exiting the stomach. The bile also goes to the gallbladder where it can be stored. The network of ducts which transport the bile is known as the ... read more on Cholangiocarcinoma: The Basics
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