The Gallbladder

Sometimes spelled "gall bladder"

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Gallbladder basics

The gallbladder is an organ located in the area just below the liver, near the beginning of the small intestine (also known as doudenum) where it connects to the stomach. The biliary tract connects the liver and the duodenum.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac that acts as a  reservoir for a dark green liquid called bile, which is an important substance in the digestive process. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed. There's approximately 1.5 to 2 ounces of bile (about 50 ml) in the gallbladder at any given time.

Bile is released from the gallbladder when fat enters the digestive system. It breaks down fat and neutralizes acids in partly digested food.

Historically, bile has often been called "gall," which is where the name gallbladder originated.

Medically speaking, the gallbladder is known as "cholecyst."

More Information:

Common Gallbladder Problems

An Overview of Gallbladder Diseases

Gallbladder Disease Types

Gallbladder Disease Symptoms

Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Types of Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder Surgery Recovery

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