What is the function of the gallbladder?

The gallbladder primarily serves the function of storing bile, which is produced by the liver. Bile is a digestive fluid that plays a crucial role in breaking down fats in the small intestine. When food enters the digestive tract, particularly fatty foods, the gallbladder releases the stored bile into the small intestine to assist in digestion and the absorption of fats. This process is essential for the proper digestion of dietary lipids, making the gallbladder a vital component of the digestive system.

Bile storage between meals ensures that there is a concentrated supply of bile available when needed, optimizing the digestive process. Without the gallbladder’s function to store and concentrate bile, digestion, especially of fats, would be less efficient.