Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. It is responsible for storing and concentrating bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When we eat, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to help with the digestion and absorption of fats.

Structure and Function

The gallbladder is pear-shaped and can hold about 50 milliliters of bile. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile through the common bile duct to aid in the digestion of fats.

Common Disorders

Some common disorders of the gallbladder include gallstones, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and cholelithiasis (presence of gallstones). These conditions can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and may require medical treatment.

Study Tips

• Understand the role of the gallbladder in the digestion process.
• Learn about the structure and location of the gallbladder in the human body.
• Study common disorders of the gallbladder and their symptoms.
• Review the function of bile and its importance in the digestive system.