Which organ releases bile during digestion?

The liver is the organ responsible for the production and release of bile during digestion. Bile is a digestive fluid that plays a crucial role in breaking down fats in the small intestine. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, the liver secretes bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder until it is needed. Once the food reaches the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile to emulsify fats, making them easier for enzymes to digest.

While the stomach is involved in the initial stages of digestion, it does not produce bile. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to aid in digestion but does not produce bile either. The intestines, specifically the small intestine, are where bile's effects are observed, but they do not produce it; rather, they utilize bile that is released from the gallbladder. Therefore, the liver is the correct answer regarding the source of bile during the digestive process.