Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just below the liver. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When fatty foods are consumed, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to help with the digestion and absorption of fats.

Anatomy of the Gallbladder

The gallbladder is divided into three main parts: the fundus, the body, and the neck. It is composed of smooth muscle tissue and has a capacity of about 50 ml. The gallbladder is connected to the liver and the small intestine through a series of ducts, including the cystic duct and the common bile duct.

Functions of the Gallbladder

1. Bile Storage: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, which is then released in response to the ingestion of fatty foods.
2. Digestion: Bile, released by the gallbladder, aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.

Gallbladder Disorders

Several disorders can affect the gallbladder, including:

• Gallstones: Hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder, leading to pain and potential blockage of bile ducts.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones.
• Cholelithiasis: The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

Study Guide

To study the gallbladder, consider the following key points:

1. Understand the anatomy of the gallbladder, including its location, structure, and connections to other organs.
2. Learn about the functions of the gallbladder, particularly its role in bile storage and digestion.
3. Be familiar with common disorders of the gallbladder, such as gallstones and cholecystitis, and their potential causes and symptoms.
4. Review the role of bile in the digestive process and how the gallbladder contributes to this function.

By mastering these concepts, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the gallbladder and its importance in the digestive system.