Enzymes and Digestion of Carbs, Proteins, Fats · Physiology

What is the primary physiological purpose of forming micelles during fat digestion?

To carry long-chain fatty acids across the unstirred water layer to the brush border
To allow intact triglycerides to enter the intestinal lymphatic circulation directly without processing
To shield the stomach mucosa from digesting its own protective lining
To greatly increase the available surface area for lingual lipase activity

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Correct answer: To carry long-chain fatty acids across the unstirred water layer to the brush border

The end-products of fat digestion are poorly soluble in water. Micelles are small aggregates of bile salts and lipids that shield the hydrophobic fatty acids, allowing them to move through the aqueous environment of the intestinal lumen to reach the enterocytes for absorption.

Difficulty: Medium Question 34 of 40

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What is the primary physiological purpose of forming micelles during fat digestion?

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