gallevæske

Gallevæske, also known as bile, is a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Its primary function is to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile is composed of bile salts, bile pigments, cholesterol, electrolytes, and water. The bile salts are the most crucial component for fat digestion, as they emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets that can be more easily acted upon by digestive enzymes. Bile pigments, such as bilirubin, are waste products from the breakdown of red blood cells, and bile is the primary route for their excretion from the body.

The production of bile is a continuous process carried out by the hepatocytes in the liver. This bile then flows through the bile ducts towards the gallbladder, where it is concentrated and stored. When fatty food enters the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts, releasing stored bile into the duodenum. This release is regulated by hormones, primarily cholecystokinin (CCK). Without sufficient bile, the body would have difficulty digesting and absorbing dietary fats, as well as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Disruptions in bile production or flow can lead to various digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies.