A Summary of the Human Digestive System

by, Mark

The Gallbladder

Facts for the Gallbladder

The gallbladder is about 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter at its thickest part.

The gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the small intestine when it is needed.

It has a capacity of 1-1.5 fluid ounces.

Bile is a sticky, yellowish-brown fluid which contains salts that are able to break down fats.

The epiglottis ensures that this does not happen, sort of acting as a lid to cover the larynx when we swallow.

Information on the Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac that is located just below the liver. It stores bile and then releases it when food passes from the stomach to the duodenum. When food leaves the stomach, a hormone causes the gallbladder to contract and release its contents through the biliary ducts into the opening of the small intestine.

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Last Updated On: July 24, 2000