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Question 7#

What does the "enterohepatic circulation" refer to?

A. The superior mesenteric-portal venous circuit
B. The secretion of cholesterol in the bile and its reabsorption in the distal ileum
C. The secretion of bile acids by the liver and their reabsorption in the distal ileum
D. The secretion of cholecystokinin by the jejunum and its stimulation of bile flow

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Bile acids act as detergents which increase the solubility oflipid micelles which are taken up by the brush border membrane of the jejunum, where over 90% of fat is absorbed. The bile acids themselves remain in the intestinal lumen and are reabsorbed in the distal ileum where they enter the portal venous circulation and are re-secreted in the bile.