What does CCK primarily stimulate in the digestive process?

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone produced in the small intestine that plays a significant role in digestion. Its primary function is to stimulate the contraction of the gallbladder, leading to the release of bile into the small intestine. Bile is essential for the emulsification and digestion of fats, making CCK crucial for the digestion of lipid-containing foods.

When fats and proteins enter the small intestine, CCK is released into the bloodstream, prompting the gallbladder to contract and release stored bile. This process not only aids in fat digestion but also triggers the release of pancreatic enzymes that further assist in breaking down food.

While CCK also has effects on other digestive processes, such as helping to regulate gastric emptying by slowing it down and promoting satiety, its primary stimulation during digestion is the contraction of the gallbladder to release bile. Therefore, the accurate identification of CCK's main action in this context is its role in gallbladder contraction, as it directly correlates with its physiological function in digesting fats.