The Function and Importance of the Gallbladder in the Human Body

Being the gallbladder is not a vital organ and the body is able to cope without it, many of us don't pay that much attention to it until we start having problems with it. Unlike some of the major body organs like the heart and the lungs, the gallbladder's function isn't that well known and most people don't really understand its importance and how it works or the problems one could encounter with its removal.

The gallbladder is only about a 3 to 4 inch organ that is connected to the liver by the hepatic duct. Its function is to store bile for the liver and deliver it to the small intestine when it it is needed. The gallbladder also concentrates the bile so that it is readily useable and most effective in its process when it's needed.

The liver is mainly a filter for toxins that the body encounters from food and drink that are ingested. It also works to break down some of the foods that are eaten and synthesizes these foods into products that are useable by the body. One of the livers main functions is to produce bile, which the gallbladder will store.

The bile that is stored in the gallbladder aids in the emulsification of fats and also acts as an antioxidant that helps the liver remove toxins from the body. The gallbladder works to store the excess bile that the liver produces and releases it when digestion is occurring. Breaking down fat is necessary because this fat can not be properly utilized by the body unless it is in a simpler form. The toxins that people encounter everyday can be muted by the bile and then carried out of the body as waste. Stones in the gallbladder can end up causing serious when they plug the pathway for these products to move where needed.

The gallbladder function, unknown to many of us is an important part of our body's daily operation. In addition to storing the excessive bile from the liver, it helps the body neutralize the acids which the stomach produces by releasing the correct amount of bile when needed.

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder. It can be caused by gallstones that block the tube leading to the gallbladder. This results in a buildup of bile that can cause inflammation. If left untreated it can lead to serious complications such as tissue damage, tears in the gallbladder and infection that may spread to other parts of the body.

Surgery to remove the gallbladder often becomes necessary when choleycystitis occurs. There are two types of surgery used today to remove the gallbladder. Laparoscopic( keyhole), is usually the most common type and the recovery process is much faster then cholecystectomy (open surgery). With either of these types of surgery, there is always a chance of complications. Chronic diarrhea, internal bleeding, injury to nearby digestive organs, injury to bile duct, leakage of the bile into the abdominal cavity, pancreatitis or infection are some complications that, although rare, could occur when one has gallbladder surgery. Always consult reputable medical services before undergoing any type of surgery.

All organs, including the gallbladder, have an effect on the day to day workings of the human body. Taking proper care of ones health can help insure good functioning of all our body parts.

Sources:

Womens Forum.com/gallbladder function
Mayo Clinic.com/ health/gallbladder-removal