How are fats digested in our bodies? Where does this process take place?

Solution:

• The small intestine is the place for the complete digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It receives the secretions of the liver and pancreas for this purpose.
• The food coming from the stomach is usually acidic in nature, and it has to be made alkaline so that pancreatic enzymes can act on it. Bile juice produced in the liver accomplishes this process.
• Fats are usually present in the intestine in the form of larger globules, which makes it difficult for enzymes to act on them. The bile salts help in breaking down larger globules into smaller globules. The pancreas helps in secreting pancreatic juice, which contains enzymes like trypsin for digesting proteins and lipase for breaking down emulsified fats.
• The walls of the small intestine contain glands, which secrete intestinal juice. The enzymes present in it finally convert the proteins to amino acids, complex carbohydrates into glucose and finally, fats into fatty acids and glycerol.