What is the main function of the gallbladder?

The primary function of the gallbladder is to store bile that is produced by the liver. Bile is a digestive fluid that is essential for the emulsification and absorption of fats in the small intestine. When you eat, especially fatty foods, the gallbladder contracts and releases stored bile into the small intestine, helping to break down fats for easier digestion and absorption.

While the liver is responsible for producing bile, the gallbladder acts as a reservoir, allowing the body to have a concentrated supply of bile available when needed. This storage function is crucial for efficient digestion, as it ensures that bile can be released in response to dietary fat consumption. The gallbladder does not digest fats or transport bile; rather, it serves as a storage site that regulates the release of bile into the digestive tract.