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Gallbladder
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a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver in which the body stores a strong digestive fluid produced by the liver
What is "gallbladder"?
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When we consume fatty foods, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine through the bile ducts. Bile helps in the digestion and absorption of fats by breaking them down into smaller molecules. The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestive process by assisting in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, aiding in the overall digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body.
Example
Surgeons may remove the gallbladder in severe cholelithiasis cases.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder is a common treatment for severe or recurrent gallstones.
Cholelithiasis is when gallstones form in the gallbladder.
Abdominal surgery may be necessary to treat conditions like hernias or gallbladder disease.