The Gallbladder

Guiding Questions

• What is the gallbladder?
• What are the parts of the gallbladder?
• What are the functions of the gallbladder?

 

Overview

While it shares a very similar name with the bladder, the reality is that the gallbladder is an overlooked but significantly different organ in the body.

The gallbladder is an organ that is shaped like a pear and it is directly under the liver in the upper part of your abdomen, specifically on the right side of the belly. Its primary function is to store and release bile made by the liver.

 

Parts of the Gallbladder

Although it is a separate structure from the bladder, the gallbladder actually has a very similar structure.

The fundus is the round part of the gallbladder near the top that is adjacent to the bottom of the liver.

The body is the large central part of the gallbladder that is located in a hollow depression, or “gap” on the surface of the liver. 

The neck is the thin part of the gallbladder that connects it to the biliary tree.

• The Hartmann’s Pouch is a mucosal fold located in the neck where gallstones are known to get stuck.

 

What is Bile?

Bile is the liquid that digests fat from food that you consume. It’s mainly made of cholesterol (a type of lipid), bile salts, and bilirubin. 

It is transported through a part of the digestive system called the biliary tract. This tract, or path, transports bile from the liver all the way to the small intestine through “pipes” called bile ducts. The largest bile duct is the common bile duct.

 

Gallstones

Gallstones are a common issue related to the gallbladder. They occur when lumps of cholesterol and/or biliary salts form in the gallbladder. They don’t always cause symptoms, but if they do, the symptoms are usually pain and jaundice. 

 

Review

• How many parts does the gallbladder have? Three
• What is the large central part of the gallbladder called? The Body
• What is the pouch located in the neck of the gallbladder called? Hartmann’s Pouch
• What is the liquid stored by the gallbladder responsible for digesting fats in food? Bile
• What are lumps of cholesterol/biliary salts that are known to get lodged in Hartmann’s pouch? Gallstones

 

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The blog post and everything contained on it is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.