The gallbladder's main function is to store bile, a fluid that helps with digestion. This muscular organ also concentrates and releases bile into the digestive system. When bile is needed, the gallbladder contracts, forcing the fluid through a tube called the cystic duct. Show The gallbladder is located just below the liver on the right side of the body. Bile, which is also known as "gall," is produced in the liver and passed into the gallbladder for storage. This is where the gallbladder gets its name. Gallbladder FunctionThere are several important functions of the gallbladder, which include:
What Is Bile?Bile is a greenish-brown alkaline fluid (consisting of waste products, cholesterol, and bile salts). Bile is not a digestive enzyme, but, bile salt functions in a similar manner, in that it emulsifies large fat droplets. Bile’s primary function in the digestive system is to break down fats. Bile is secreted when the gallbladder contracts. This happens as a response to:
Once bile enters the duodenum it goes to work breaking down ingested fat, as well as
fat-soluble vitamins, improving the ingested solubility of digested fat, and facilitating its absorption. Bile is what gives feces its brown color. The end location for bile is with the feces through the anus. Anatomy of the GallbladderThe gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped hollow organ. It is approximately an inch wide and 3 inches long, and is tapered at one end where it connects to the cystic duct. It can store approximately 30 to 50 cubic centimeters (cc) of bile. StructureThe gallbladder is divided into three sections, including:
The neck of the gallbladder has a folded area of tissues called “Hartmann Pouch.” This is an area—located at the junction of the neck of the gallbladder and the cystic duct—where gallstones commonly become stuck, causing a decrease in bile flow (cholestasis). There are several layers of the gallbladder, these include:
The outer layer of the gallbladder's fundus and other surfaces of the gallbladder—those that are not in direct contact with the liver—are covered by a type of tissue called serosa. The serosa is a type of tissue that lines internal cavities and forms a smooth, two-layered membrane, lubricated by fluid. Serosa contains blood vessels and lymphatics (vessels similar to veins that are part of the lymphatic system). The function of lymphatics is to transport lymphatic fluid from the lymph nodes. The surfaces of the gallbladder which are in contact with the liver are not covered with serosa, but, rather they are covered with connective tissue. LocationThe gallbladder is located inferior (below) and posterior (behind) to the liver in the upper right quadrant (section) of the abdomen. It lies in front of the duodenum. The gallbladder is connected to the liver via the ducts known as the biliary tract. The gallbladder is attached to the digestive system by a system of hollow ducts called the biliary tree. The gallbladder, bile ducts (tubules in which bile travels through) and associated structures (which are responsible for producing and transporting bile) comprise what is called the “biliary system.” This is sometimes referred to as the biliary tract. Through this system, bile flows from the liver (where the liver cells make and secrete the bile) into a system of ducts—located inside and outside the liver—which allow the bile to flow from:
After food is eaten, a hormone called cholecystokinin is secreted; this stimulates the release of bile, and the bile begins breaking down fats in the digestive system. Anatomical VariationsExamples of anatomical variations of the gallbladder include:
Function of the Biliary SystemThere are several important functions of the biliary system, including:
Bile has two primary functions, including:
Associated ConditionsCommon gallbladder conditions can involve infection, stones, inflammation or blockage of the gallbladder. Gallstones (cholelithiasis)are pebble-like deposits of bile in the gallbladder. They can be very small (such as the size of a grain of sand) or as big as a golf ball. They can accumulate as a single gallstone, or as a collection of many stones, of various sizes. There are two types of gallstones, including:
Other conditions include:
SymptomsSymptoms of gallbladder problems aren't the same for everyone. Some people have no symptoms at all. When gallbladder stones block the flow of bile, they can cause:
TestsTests performed to diagnose gallbladder conditions may include:
TreatmentOnce a diagnosis of gallstones (or other gallbladder disorders) is made, most people with symptoms undergo removal of the gallbladder. This procedure is called a cholecystectomy. It is most often performed using laparoscopic (use of a scope with a camera, which is inserted into a very small incision) surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is also called minimally invasive surgery, because of the small incision. Today, one of the most common robotic-assisted surgery procedures is a cholecystectomy. One of the most common surgeries performed worldwide is the removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) as a treatment for gallstones. There aren't usually any long-term effects to having your gallbladder removed. You can live a normal life without
one. Your liver will still produce bile, but instead of being passed into your gallbladder, it will drip directly into your digestive system. SummaryYour gallbladder is a small organ located just below the liver on the right side of the body. Its primary function is to store and secrete bile, which helps your body digest fats. A number of medical conditions can affect the gallbladder. One of the most common is gallstones, which can block the flow of bile. Gallbladder problems are often treated with removal of the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy. You can live a normal life without your gallbladder, and this surgery doesn't usually cause any long-term changes to your quality of life. Frequently Asked Questions
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Sherry Christiansen Thanks for your feedback! Where do you feel pain with gallbladder problems?When something goes wrong with your gallbladder or the bile ducts, the upper right side of your belly may hurt. You may also feel: Pain in your back or chest, especially when you take deep breaths.
Does gallbladder pain feel like a side ache?Typical Gallbladder Symptoms of Pain
“Typical” gallbladder symptoms of experiencing sharp or a dull ache located in the front or right side of your abdomen just under the rib cage occur most frequently.
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