The whole body
Nervous system
Brain
Eye
Ear
Nose
Mouth and teeth
Skin and touch
Heart
Blood and circulation
Spleen
Body defenses
Throat and voice
Lungs
Baby teeth
Digestion
Liver
Pancreas
Kidneys
Reproductive system
Pregnancy
Glands and hormones
Skeleton
Skull
Spine
Hand
Knee
Foot
MusclesWhat does the gallbladder do?
The gallbladder is a small pouch under the liver. The liver makes bile, a greenish-yellow liquid that helps digest fat, and the gallbladder stores it until mealtime. When fatty food arrives, it squeezes and sends bile into the intestine.
Drag to turn. Pinch or use the mouse wheel to zoom. Tap a part to see what it does.
Questions people ask
Can you live without a gallbladder?
Yes. When the gallbladder is removed, the liver keeps making bile, which then flows straight into the intestine little by little. Most people live normally after the surgery.
What are gallstones?
Small stones that form when bile becomes too concentrated, usually from too much cholesterol. Many people feel nothing, but they can get stuck in the ducts and cause strong pain on the right side under the ribs, especially after fatty food. In that case, see a doctor.
Where is the gallbladder?
On the right side of the belly, just under the ribs, tucked beneath the liver.
What is bile?
A greenish-yellow liquid made by the liver. It works a bit like dish soap on greasy plates (just a comparison): it breaks fat into tiny droplets so the body can digest it. It also helps get rid of waste the body no longer needs.
Sources
This text was written using these references:
- Digestive System · National Cancer Institute (SEER Training)
This content has not been medically reviewed.