When bile enters the small intestine, it will mix with the fat globules and will cause them to break down into smaller units called emulsion droplets. This process is called emulsification. Emulsification greatly increases the surface area of the fat on which the lipase can actually act on.

How does the bile work to emulsify the fats?

When digesting fats, bile acts as an emulsifier to break the large fat globules into smaller emulsion droplets. Emulsified fats provide a larger area for the fat-digesting enzymes (lipase) to act, making the process quicker. Bile acts as a good solvent.

Why is bile emulsifies fat important?

Bile contributes to digestion by breaking up large fat globules, a process known as emulsification. Fats are insoluble in water, so emulsification provides pancreatic lipase with more surface area on which to act.