Organ
Gallbladder
Bile storage organ against the inferior liver
High-yield
The hepatic bed lies near segments IVb and V. The fundus is often projected near the right ninth costal cartilage, but its position changes with anatomy and distension.
Overview
The gallbladder stores and concentrates hepatic bile in a fossa on the liver's visceral surface. Its fundus projects beyond the body, which narrows through an infundibular/neck region into the cystic duct. After a meal, hormonal and neural signals coordinate its contraction with bile delivery to the duodenum.
Reference facts
- Location
- Usually in a fossa on the inferior liver between the segment IVb and V regions, near the proximal duodenum and transverse colon.
- Parts
- Fundus and body taper toward the infundibulum/neck, then the cystic duct; subdivisions are described somewhat differently across texts.
- Blood supply
- Predominantly the cystic artery, commonly from the right hepatic artery, with variable origin and number.
- Innervation
- Hepatic plexus sympathetic and vagal fibers; referred shoulder pain reflects irritation of phrenic-innervated diaphragmatic tissue.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Small veins enter the adjacent hepatic/portal circulation, with variable more distant connections; lymph reaches cystic and hepatic nodes and then broader celiac pathways.
- Relations
- The liver-facing surface is attached through connective tissue; the free surfaces generally carry peritoneum, with variation in attachment.
- Function
- Concentrates and stores bile and contracts in response to signals including cholecystokinin to support intestinal fat digestion.
Clinical correlation
Gallbladder inflammation can affect nearby liver and peritoneum; diaphragmatic irritation may refer pain to the shoulder through phrenic sensory pathways. Cancer may spread directly into the liver bed or through vascular and lymphatic routes, which are distinct mechanisms.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the gallbladder located?
Usually in a fossa on the inferior liver between the segment IVb and V regions, near the proximal duodenum and transverse colon.
What does the gallbladder do?
Concentrates and stores bile and contracts in response to signals including cholecystokinin to support intestinal fat digestion.
What are the parts of the gallbladder?
Fundus and body taper toward the infundibulum/neck, then the cystic duct; subdivisions are described somewhat differently across texts.
What is the blood supply of the gallbladder?
Predominantly the cystic artery, commonly from the right hepatic artery, with variable origin and number.