What is a gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, just below the liver. It is responsible for storing and concentrating bile, a fluid that helps digest fats.

Bile is produced in the liver and then transported to the gallbladder through a small tube called the cystic duct. When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the intestine through the common bile duct. Bile helps to break down fats into smaller molecules so that they can be more easily absorbed by the body.

The gallbladder can store up to 50 milliliters of bile. When the gallbladder is full, it may feel hard or swollen. However, it is usually not painful.

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, nausea, and vomiting. If gallstones block the cystic duct, it can cause a condition called cholecystitis, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis can be very painful and may require surgery to remove the gallbladder.