Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ situated underneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive liquid produced by the liver. Bile aids in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine. The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine through a series of channels known as the biliary tract, which includes the cystic duct and the common bile duct. The intricate regulation of this bile release is managed by hormonal signals and the nervous system in response to food intake, especially fats.

Several medical conditions can affect the gallbladder, including gallstones, which are crystalline deposits that can obstruct the flow of bile, leading to pain and inflammation known as cholecystitis. Other conditions include cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts), gallbladder cancer, and gallbladder polyps. Symptoms of gallbladder disorders may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Diagnosis is typically through ultrasound imaging, and treatment ranges from dietary changes to surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy. Despite its role in digestion, the gallbladder is not essential for life, and individuals can live normally without it.