What is the primary function of bile in the digestive process?

The primary function of bile in the digestive process is emulsifying fats. Bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, contains bile salts that play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. When fats enter the small intestine, bile is released to break down large fat globules into smaller droplets, a process known as emulsification. This increases the surface area of the fats, making them more accessible to digestive enzymes such as lipase, which further break down the fats into fatty acids and glycerol for absorption. This emulsification process is vital for effective fat digestion and absorption, allowing nutrients to be assimilated efficiently by the body.