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Bile: functions, chemical composition and role in the body

Bile is a yellowish-brown secretion secreted by liver cells. It is necessary for the physicochemical processing, digestion and absorption of fats and fat-like substances in the intestines of humans and animals. The end products of hemoglobin, cholesterol and other compounds are excreted from the body with bile. Bile is secreted continuously by the liver. In cases where the digestion process does not occur, bile accumulates in the gallbladder.

The main components of bile are bile salts, phospholipids (the main part of the dense bile residue), bilirubin (a coloring matter, pigment), proteins and physiologically active substances such as hormones and vitamins. The chemical composition, properties and amount of bile in humans can change in various diseases, for example, cholelithiasis, which is an important diagnostic sign.

The signal for bile to enter the intestines is food. First, bile from the common bile duct enters the intestine, then darker bile from the gallbladder (vesical bile), followed by bile from small and large bile ducts and, finally, light bile newly formed in the liver cells. This sequence of release of portions of bile is taken into account in clinical diagnostic studies, for example, to determine the location of an inflammatory or some other disease process in the biliary tract.

Bile plays an important role in the digestion process. It helps break down fats into small components, which can then be absorbed by the intestines. In addition, bile helps remove excess cholesterol and other metabolic products from the body. This allows you to maintain normal cholesterol in the blood and prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Animal bile, mainly cattle, is used as a medicine (the so-called canned medical bile). For inflammatory or deforming diseases of the joints, as well as for radiculitis, inflammation of the tendons (tenosynovitis), it is sometimes used for compresses. Treatment with medical bile is prescribed by a doctor.

In conclusion, bile is an important component of the digestive process and is involved in the physiological processes of the body, such as metabolism and the removal of excess products. The chemical composition and amount of bile can change in various diseases, which makes it possible to use it as a diagnostic sign. Canned medical bile can be used in the treatment of certain diseases, but only as prescribed by a doctor. We hope this information will help you better understand the role of bile in the body and its impact on health.