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Gallbladder

Learning objectives

After working through this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Name the parts of the gallbladder and the biliary system.
  2. Describe their function and neurovasculature.
  3. Understand the relations of the gallbladder to the nearby structures.

Watch video

The gallbladder is a small intraperitoneal organ, located below the liver, to which it is functionally connected through the extrahepatic duct system. While the liver produces bile, the gallbladder’s main function is to store the bile that it receives from the liver and concentrate it by removing water and electrolytes.

The following video will help you learn everything you should know about the gallbladder, its anatomy, function, relations to surrounding structures and clinical importance.

Take a quiz

After watching the video, take the next step and solidify your knowledge with our quiz about the gallbladder and the nearby structures:

...or you can challenge yourself even further with this customizable quiz about the liver:

Browse atlas

Revise everything that you have learned by analyzing each structure of the gallbladder and accompanying structures individually in our atlas gallery:

Summary

Key points about the gallbladder
Definition Gastrointestinal, intraperitoneal sac-like organ, located on the inferior aspect of the liver
Parts Fundus, body, infundibulum, neck
Function Storage, concentration and release of bile
Extrahepatic duct system Left and right hepatic ducts, common hepatic duct, cystic duct, bile duct, pancreatic duct, hepatopancreatic ampulla, major duodenal papilla
Neurovascular supply Arterial supply: Cystic artery
Venous drainage:
Small tributaries of the segmental portal veins
Lymph:
Intrahepatic lymph vessels, cystic node
Innervation:
Hepatic plexus

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