The gallbladder is a pear-shaped structure under the liver in the right upper abdomen. It primarily stores bile formed by the liver cells. Bile is a substance that helps in the digestion of fats. It is normally stored in the gallbladder until the body needs it.
The gallbladder and the ducts that carry bile and other digestive enzymes from the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to the small intestine are called the biliary system.
Components of bile include:
Common Gallbladder Diseases or Disorders
Diseases affecting the gallbladder include gallstones and cholecystitis.
Gallstones are small pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. It occurs when substances in the gallbladder stick to each other and consequently harden to form stones. Gallbladder attacks often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. A typical attack can cause steady pain in the right upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; and pain under the right shoulder.
Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder. It occurs when a gallstone blocks the normal flow of bile in the cystic duct.
Gallbladder problems can get better with the removal of the gallstone or gallbladder. The gallbladder is one organ people can live without. People who have had their gallbladder removed live normal lives. However, some may experience softer and more frequents stools, which is usually temporary. If this persists, you should talk to your health care provider.
Related Topics:
References:
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Gall stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–2897, July 2007
Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.
Seeley, R., Stephens, T., and Tate, P.: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.5th ed.Mc-Graw-Hills, Inc., 2005
Image Credit: NIDDK Image Library
Page Last Revised: February 7, 2012
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Components of bile include:
waterAs the stomach and intestine digest food, the gallbladder releases the stored bile through a tube called the common bile duct. The duct connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine (see illustration).
cholesterol
bile salts
fats
proteins
bilirubin—a product formed when the hemoglobin in red blood cells is broken down
Common Gallbladder Diseases or Disorders
Diseases affecting the gallbladder include gallstones and cholecystitis.
Gallstones are small pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. It occurs when substances in the gallbladder stick to each other and consequently harden to form stones. Gallbladder attacks often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. A typical attack can cause steady pain in the right upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; and pain under the right shoulder.
Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder. It occurs when a gallstone blocks the normal flow of bile in the cystic duct.
Gallbladder problems can get better with the removal of the gallstone or gallbladder. The gallbladder is one organ people can live without. People who have had their gallbladder removed live normal lives. However, some may experience softer and more frequents stools, which is usually temporary. If this persists, you should talk to your health care provider.
Related Topics:
References:
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Gall stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–2897, July 2007
Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.
Seeley, R., Stephens, T., and Tate, P.: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.5th ed.Mc-Graw-Hills, Inc., 2005
Image Credit: NIDDK Image Library
Page Last Revised: February 7, 2012
[Top of Page]
