What begins to break down fats in the small intestine?

The breakdown of fats in the small intestine predominantly involves enzymes known as lipases. These enzymes are secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine, where they function to emulsify and hydrolyze fats into fatty acids and glycerol, making them easier for the body to absorb. Fats themselves do not initiate their own breakdown; rather, it is the action of specific enzymes that catalyzes this process.

In the context of digestion, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates play significant roles, but they do not directly participate in the breakdown of fats. Protein is primarily broken down into amino acids by proteases, fiber may aid in digestion but does not break down fats, and carbohydrates are broken down into sugars by amylases. Thus, while these other components of food have critical roles in the digestive process, they do not begin the breakdown of fats in the small intestine.