Bile salts (made from bile acids) are secreted from the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and passed through the bile duct and into the intestine (Figure 18.3). They are involved in emulsification of fats in the intestine, aid digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (Figure 18.4).

Bile acids are usually conjugated in amide linkage with the amino acid glycine or taurine, giving bile salts. The cholic acid conjugates with glycine and taurine are called glycocholate and taurocholate, respectively.