National League for Nursing (NLN) Science Practice Exam

In which organ is bile stored, and what does it help digest?

1. Liver . . . proteins . . . emulsification

2. Liver . . . fats . . . dehydration synthesis

3. Gallbladder . . . fats . . . emulsification

4. Gallbladder . . . proteins . . . proteases

The correct answer is: Gallbladder . . . fats . . . emulsification

Bile is stored in the gallbladder, which plays a critical role in digestion, particularly concerning fats. Bile contains bile salts that are essential for the emulsification of fats. Emulsification is the process that breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for digestive enzymes to act upon, making fat digestion more efficient. The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine when fatty foods are consumed. This release aids in the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. The association of bile with the digestion of fats through the mechanism of emulsification reinforces the importance of the gallbladder in the digestive system. Other options suggest incorrect associations with the organ or the digestion process. For instance, the liver is where bile is produced, but it does not store bile itself, nor does it primarily assist in the digestion of proteins or through dehydration synthesis.