Gallbladder

The gallbladder works closely with the liver, pancreas, and small intestine to regulate digestion.

• Bile Storage & Concentration
• Release of Bile During Fat Digestion
• Support of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Absorption
• Coordination with Liver & Small Intestine
• Detoxification Assistance via Bile Flow

Key Takeaway

The gallbladder is a small but powerful organ that manages bile release, optimizing fat digestion and supporting nutrient absorption, while acting as a minor detox pathway for waste products processed by the liver.

Basic Structure

• A small, hollow, pear-shaped organ (about 4 inches long) nestled under the liver’s right lobe.

Major Regions

• Fundus: Rounded bottom tip that stores bile.
• Body: Central portion that holds bile.
• Neck & Cystic Duct: Connects gallbladder to the common bile duct, allowing bile to flow into the small intestine.

Protective Features

• Surrounded by fibrous tissue and located beneath the liver for physical protection.
• Smooth mucosal lining minimizes irritation from bile.

Blood Supply & Nerves

• Arterial Supply: Cystic artery (branch of the right hepatic artery).
• Venous Drainage: Cystic veins into the liver’s portal system.
• Innervation: Autonomic nervous system regulates contraction and bile release.

Key Takeaway

The gallbladder is a specialized storage organ designed to efficiently manage bile production, release, and coordination with the digestive tract while remaining protected under the liver.

• The gallbladder can hold about 30–50 mL of bile, but it concentrates it up to 5–10 times its original potency.
• Bile is composed of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, and water.
• Gallbladder contraction is stimulated by cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone released when fats enter the small intestine.
• Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are one of the most common digestive disorders, often forming from cholesterol, bilirubin, or bile salt imbalances.
• Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is generally safe because bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine, though fat digestion can be less efficient.

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Solid deposits that can block bile flow, causing pain, nausea, or infection.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones.
• Biliary Dyskinesia: Poor gallbladder motility leading to digestive discomfort.
• Gallbladder Cancer: Rare but serious malignancy affecting the gallbladder tissue.
• Jaundice: Blockage of bile flow can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.

• Upper right abdominal pain, especially after fatty meals
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Bloating or Gas
• Indigestion or Acid Reflux
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Unexplained Fatigue After Eating
• Dark Urine or Pale Stools

Source: Surgical Teaching