What organ in the human body produces bile that starts the breakdown of fat?

The liver is the organ responsible for producing bile, which plays a crucial role in the digestion and breakdown of fats. Bile is a greenish-brown fluid that contains bile acids, bilirubin, cholesterol, and electrolytes. When food, particularly fatty food, enters the small intestine, bile is released into the digestive tract to emulsify fats, making them easier for enzymes to break down.

While the gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine, it does not produce bile itself. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, but it does not produce bile. The kidneys are primarily involved in filtering blood and removing waste through urine, not in the digestion of fats. Understanding the distinct roles of these organs helps clarify their functions in the digestive system.