Hi! why does bile acids called like that if it’s alkaline? Or maybe I confuse Bile from the liver and gallbladder with Bile acids witch is something else?
You’re correct that bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is actually alkaline, not acidic. The pH of bile is typically between 7.6 and 8.6, making it alkaline (basic) rather than acidic.
Bile contains bile acids, which are a crucial component. These acids are named so because they are indeed acidic compounds when isolated. They are produced in the liver from cholesterol and have a specific structure that includes a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), hence the term “bile acids.” However, in the context of bile itself, these acids are part of a larger mixture that includes other components like bicarbonate ions, which are alkaline and help to neutralize the acidity of the bile acids, resulting in an overall alkaline pH for bile.
Therefore, the term “bile acids” refers to the chemical structure and properties of these individual molecules, but does not mean that the overall bile fluid is acidic. It’s somewhat similar to how gastric juice in the stomach contains hydrochloric acid, but the body regulates the pH of the blood and other body fluids to ensure they don’t become too acidic.
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