Sapipõies

Sapipõies is a term that refers to the gallbladder in Estonian. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver. Bile is a fluid that aids in the digestion of fats in the small intestine.

When you eat fatty foods, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine through a series of ducts. This bile helps to break down fats into smaller molecules, which can then be absorbed by the body. The gallbladder can store a significant amount of bile, releasing it as needed.

Problems with the gallbladder can include gallstones, which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause pain, inflammation, and blockages in the bile ducts. Other conditions include cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. In some cases, if the gallbladder is severely diseased or causing persistent problems, it may need to be surgically removed in a procedure called a cholecystectomy. The body can function without a gallbladder, as the liver will continue to produce bile, although its release might be less regulated.