NANP Board Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What is the main function of bile salts in digestion?

Activate pepsinogen

Emulsify fats

Bile salts play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Their main function is to emulsify fats, meaning they break down large fat globules into smaller droplets. This increases the surface area available for enzymes, such as pancreatic lipase, to act upon the fats, making the digestion process more efficient. By emulsifying fats, bile salts allow for better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids in the intestine.

Other options suggest functions that are important in digestion but are not the primary role of bile salts. Activating pepsinogen is a function related to the stomach and is primarily achieved by the acid environment, not bile salts. Neutralizing stomach acid is performed by bicarbonate, which is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine, rather than by bile salts. Stimulating insulin release is related to the endocrine function of the pancreas and does not involve bile salts.

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Neutralize stomach acid

Stimulate insulin release

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