🐇honors biology review

key term - Gallbladder

Definition

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. It plays a crucial role in digestion, particularly in the emulsification and absorption of fats. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile through the bile ducts to aid in digestion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The gallbladder can hold about 30 to 50 milliliters of bile, allowing it to concentrate and store bile for later use.
  2. When fatty food enters the duodenum, cholecystokinin is released, signaling the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the digestive system.
  3. Bile not only aids in fat digestion but also helps eliminate waste products from the liver, including bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.
  4. Some people may have their gallbladder removed surgically (cholecystectomy), which can lead to changes in digestion but most can still digest fats without it.
  5. Gallstones can form in the gallbladder when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, causing blockages and discomfort.

Review Questions

  • How does the gallbladder function in digestion, particularly with regards to fat absorption?
    • The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver until it is needed for digestion. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin triggers the gallbladder to contract and release concentrated bile into the small intestine. This bile emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets, which enhances their absorption by intestinal cells.
  • Discuss the hormonal regulation of the gallbladder and its significance in digestive processes.
    • Cholecystokinin plays a vital role in regulating the gallbladder's function. When fatty foods enter the duodenum, this hormone is released, prompting the gallbladder to contract and release bile. This hormonal signaling ensures that bile is available at the right time to aid in fat digestion, demonstrating how hormonal regulation is crucial for efficient digestive processes.
  • Evaluate the implications of gallbladder removal on digestion and overall health.
    • Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, can impact how fats are digested because there is no longer a storage site for bile. While most individuals adapt and can still digest fats without significant issues, some may experience symptoms like diarrhea or bloating after eating fatty meals. Understanding these implications highlights how interconnected our digestive organs are and how their functions affect overall health.