Library · Anatomy
Gallbladder
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The gallbladder is a small reservoir connected to the bile ducts. The liver makes bile, and the gallbladder stores it between meals. Picture a tank with an inlet and outlet pipe: the tank holds the liquid but does not produce it.
When food reaches the intestine, the gallbladder squeezes and sends bile into the small intestine. There, bile helps break fat into more manageable droplets, making the fat easier to digest and absorb.
In brief
The gallbladder is an organ of the biliary system that stores bile made by the liver between meals. Bile enters and leaves through the cystic duct, which connects with the other bile ducts.
When food reaches the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and pushes bile into it. There, bile salts help disperse fats so they can be digested and absorbed more easily. The gallbladder stores bile, but it does not make it.
Sources (2)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesYour Digestive System & How It Works
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesThe Digestive System
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated