Gallbladder

Definition

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When fat enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile into the duodenum to aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Its role is crucial in the digestive process, linking it closely to other accessory organs and the regulation of digestive functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The gallbladder can hold about 30 to 50 milliliters of bile at a time, concentrating it by absorbing water and electrolytes.
2. Bile is essential for breaking down fats; without sufficient bile, the body struggles to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
3. Gallstones can form when there's an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, leading to blockages that can affect digestion.
4. The release of bile from the gallbladder is triggered by the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), which is released when fats enter the small intestine.
5. If the gallbladder is removed (cholecystectomy), bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine but may lead to changes in fat digestion.

Review Questions

• How does the gallbladder contribute to fat digestion, and what triggers its function?
  • The gallbladder plays a key role in fat digestion by storing and concentrating bile produced by the liver. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, they trigger the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone that stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the duodenum. This process enhances fat emulsification, making it easier for enzymes to break down dietary fats.
• Discuss how gallstones can impact the regulation of digestive processes and what symptoms might arise.
  • Gallstones can block the cystic duct or common bile duct, leading to reduced or interrupted bile flow into the small intestine. This blockage can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion, particularly after meals high in fat. The impact on digestion can also lead to malabsorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, causing further complications if left untreated.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of cholecystectomy on digestion and how the body adapts post-surgery.
  • After cholecystectomy, the body must adapt to changes in bile storage and release. Since the gallbladder is removed, bile flows continuously from the liver into the small intestine rather than being concentrated. This can lead to difficulties digesting large amounts of fat at once, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea or bloating. However, most people adjust over time, often by modifying their diet to accommodate these changes.

Related terms

Bile: A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats in the small intestine.

Cholecystokinin (CCK): A hormone released by the small intestine that stimulates gallbladder contraction and bile release.

Cystic Duct: The duct that connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct, allowing bile to flow from the gallbladder into the small intestine.