enterohepatic circulation
Quick Summary
Enterohepatic circulation is a physiological process where bile acids, synthesized in the liver from cholesterol, are secreted into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. After performing their function, these bile acids are reabsorbed in the lower small intestine and returned to the liver via the portal vein to be reused. This cycle efficiently recycles about 20 to 30 grams of bile acids daily in humans. A small amount of bile acids that escape this circulation are lost in feces, and the liver synthesizes new ones from cholesterol to replace them. Bile acids also play a role in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and eliminating excess cholesterol from the body.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
lipidBile acidsThis cyclic process, called the enterohepatic circulation, handles 20 to 30 grams of bile acids per day in human beings. The small fraction that escapes this circulation is lost in the feces. This is the major excretory route for cholesterol (though a smaller fraction is lost through the normal sloughing…
Read MoreThis cyclic process, called the enterohepatic circulation, handles 20 to 30 grams of bile acids per day in human beings. The small fraction that escapes this circulation is lost in the feces. This is the major excretory route for cholesterol (though a smaller fraction is lost through the normal sloughing…
Read More
bile acidSynthesis and circulation…humans, this cycle, known as enterohepatic circulation, handles 20 to 30 grams (0.7 to 1 ounce) of bile acids per day. The small fraction that escapes this circulation is lost in the feces, which is the major excretory route for cholesterol.
Read More…humans, this cycle, known as enterohepatic circulation, handles 20 to 30 grams (0.7 to 1 ounce) of bile acids per day. The small fraction that escapes this circulation is lost in the feces, which is the major excretory route for cholesterol.
Read More
- bile
…to the liver, is called enterohepatic circulation. Some salts and acids are lost during this process; these are replaced in the liver by continual synthesis from cholesterol. The rate of synthesis is directly related to the amount of acids and salts lost. Bile salts do not normally reach the colon;…
Read More…to the liver, is called enterohepatic circulation. Some salts and acids are lost during this process; these are replaced in the liver by continual synthesis from cholesterol. The rate of synthesis is directly related to the amount of acids and salts lost. Bile salts do not normally reach the colon;…
Read More - poisonExcretion
…a chemical, known as the enterohepatic cycle, can continue for a long time, keeping the chemical in the body.
Read More…a chemical, known as the enterohepatic cycle, can continue for a long time, keeping the chemical in the body.
Read More