Epehajtás

Epehajtás, a Hungarian term, translates to "bile expulsion" or "gallbladder emptying" in English. It refers to the physiological process by which bile, produced by the liver, is released from the gallbladder into the small intestine. This process is crucial for the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the food we consume.

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it in response to the presence of fat in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This release is triggered by hormonal signals, primarily cholecystokinin (CCK), which is secreted by cells in the intestinal lining when fat and protein are detected. CCK stimulates the gallbladder to contract and the sphincter of Oddi, a muscular valve controlling the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum, to relax.

Disruptions to epehajtás can lead to various digestive issues. For example, if bile flow is insufficient, fat digestion can be impaired, leading to symptoms like steatorrhea (fatty stools), bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Conversely, conditions that cause the gallbladder to empty too rapidly or inappropriately can also cause digestive upset. Medical conditions affecting the gallbladder, bile ducts, or related hormonal pathways can impact epehajtás. Understanding this natural process is key to comprehending digestive health.