Gallbladder

Stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion and absorption.

Key Functions:

• Stores bile.
• Concentrates bile by absorbing water and electrolytes.
• Contracts to release bile into the duodenum in response to fatty meals.

Interacting Systems & Components:

• Liver (produces bile for)
• Bile Acids (major component of bile)
• Small Intestine (releases bile into)
• Cholecystokinin (CCK) (stimulates contraction)
• Digestion (aids in fat digestion)