Structure and Function:

The GallbladderBy Benjamin Kok and Samuel Yee

The Gallbladder A small muscular sac that sits just beneath the liver and attached

to it by the cystic duct. It is about three or four inches long and one inch wide. Connects itself to the duodenum at the common bile duct.

Main Function (Part I) The gallbladder acts as a storage site for bile, an alkaline, dark

green to yellowish brown fluid produced by the liver. The release of bile from the gallbladder and into the duodenum is

triggered by the hormone cholecystokinin.

Bile

Cholecystokinin

Main Function (Part II) Once secreted into the duodenum, bile plays a role in the digestion

of fats. Bile salts emulsify the fats and breaks them into tiny droplets. In

addition, it also increases the surface area that allows pancreatic amylase to digest the fats into fatty acids and glycerol which can then be absorbed by the villi on the intestinal walls.

Gallbladder Diseases Biliary Colic Is caused when a large gallstone

lodges itself in the common bile duct.

Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, high fever and sweating.

In addition, the patients skin will turn yellowish and become jaundiced.

Lastly, urine will become dark brown or orange in colour due to excessive pigmentation.

Gallbladder Diseases Cholecystitis An inflamation of the gallbladder caused by bacterial infection

and the presence of gallstones blocking the cystic duct. Cholecystitis can cause pain and vomiting. It can also lead to

ache, nausea, and flatulence if left untreated.