gällkörtel

Gällkörtel, also known as the gallbladder, is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. When food containing fat enters the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and releases stored bile into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, to help break down the fats.

The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestive process, particularly in individuals who consume a diet high in fat. It helps to emulsify fats, making them easier to digest and absorb. The gallbladder also helps to neutralize the acidic chyme that enters the small intestine from the stomach, creating an optimal environment for digestive enzymes to function.

In some cases, the gallbladder may become enlarged or inflamed, leading to conditions such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or gallstones. These conditions can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the gallbladder, a procedure known as cholecystectomy.

The gallbladder is connected to the liver by the cystic duct, which carries bile from the gallbladder to the common bile duct. The common bile duct then merges with the pancreatic duct to form the hepatopancreatic ampulla, which empties into the duodenum. The gallbladder is an essential organ in the digestive system, working in conjunction with the liver and pancreas to facilitate the digestion and absorption of nutrients.