Bile salts are primarily absorbed in which segment?

• A. Duodenum
• B. Jejunum
• C. Ileum
• D. Colon

Answer: (C)

Bile salts are reabsorbed mostly in the terminal ileum, where they are actively reclaimed for recycling. In this region, enterocytes take up bile acids via the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter and then release them into portal blood for return to the liver. This enterohepatic circulation keeps the bile acid pool ample for fat digestion.

Damage or disease of the ileum, especially the terminal portion, impairs reabsorption and can lead to fat malabsorption and related symptoms. The duodenum and jejunum aren’t where most bile acids are recycled, and the colon reabsorbs only a small amount. Therefore the ileum is the segment responsible for the primary reabsorption of bile salts.