GLOSSARY

Micelles are tiny spherical structures (about 4–8 nanometres across, about 100 times smaller than emulsion droplets) formed from bile salts and phospholipids; they carry the products of fat digestion in their hydrophobic core across the unstirred water layer next to the mucosa to the enterocyte surface.

Structure

• Outer surface: the water-loving parts of bile salts and phospholipids facing the water.
• Inner core: fatty acids, monoglycerides, cholesterol, and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
• Formation: once bile salt concentration reaches the critical micellar concentration (CMC).

Function