The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps in the digestion of fats by breaking them down into smaller molecules, making them easier for the body to absorb. The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine in response to the consumption of fatty foods, playing a crucial role in the digestive process.
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The gallbladder can hold about 30 to 50 milliliters of bile at any given time, allowing it to concentrate and store bile until needed for digestion.
When fatty foods enter the small intestine, cholecystokinin (CCK) is released, signaling the gallbladder to contract and release bile through the common bile duct.
Dysfunction of the gallbladder can lead to conditions such as gallstones, which can obstruct bile flow and cause pain or inflammation.
While humans have a gallbladder, some animals do not, relying instead on continuous secretion of bile directly from the liver into the intestine.
After a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), individuals can still digest fats but may need to adjust their diets as bile flows directly from the liver.
Review Questions
How does the gallbladder contribute to fat digestion, and what triggers its release of bile?
The gallbladder contributes to 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 signals the gallbladder to contract. This contraction releases bile into the small intestine, where it emulsifies fats, allowing for better absorption by the body.
Discuss how gallstones can affect the function of the gallbladder and overall digestion.
Gallstones are hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder, obstructing bile flow. This obstruction can cause pain, inflammation, and infection known as cholecystitis. When bile cannot flow properly, it disrupts fat digestion, leading to symptoms like bloating, nausea, and fat malabsorption. In severe cases, gallstones may necessitate surgical intervention.
Evaluate the impact of gallbladder removal on an individual's digestive process and dietary adjustments needed post-surgery.
After gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), individuals may experience changes in how their body digests fats since there is no longer a reservoir for bile. Bile flows directly from the liver into the intestine, which may lead to less efficient fat emulsification. Consequently, many people may need to make dietary adjustments, such as reducing fat intake or consuming smaller, more frequent meals to help their digestive system adapt to these changes.
Related terms
Bile: A digestive fluid produced by the liver that aids in the emulsification and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
Cholecystokinin (CCK): A hormone released by the small intestine that stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the digestive tract.
Hepatic duct: The duct that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine, playing a vital role in bile transport.