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Gallbladder

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...

Ascites

Ascites

DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Determining Bile Duct Density in the Mouse Liver

Determining Bile Duct Density in the Mouse Liver

Published on: April 30, 2019

The relationship between gallstone disease and gall bladder volume.

A B Olokoba¹, B J Bojuwoye, L B Olokoba

¹Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. drabolokoba@yahoo.com

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice

|September 27, 2008

Summary

A larger gallbladder volume may increase the risk of gallstones. This study found a trend towards larger fasting gallbladder volumes in patients with gallstone disease, including type 2 diabetic patients and controls.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Determining Bile Duct Density in the Mouse Liver

Determining Bile Duct Density in the Mouse Liver

Published on: April 30, 2019

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Hepatology
Medical Imaging

Background:

The link between large gallbladder volume and gallstone predisposition is unclear.
Increased gallbladder volume may impair motility and cause bile stasis, promoting gallstone formation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between gallstone disease and gallbladder volume.
To compare gallbladder volume in type 2 diabetic patients and controls with and without gallstones.

Main Methods:

Real-time ultrasonography was used to measure gallbladder volume in 100 type 2 diabetic patients and 100 matched controls.
Measurements were taken after an overnight fast to ensure the gallbladder was not contracted.
Demographic data were collected and compared between groups.

Main Results:

The mean fasting gallbladder volume was slightly higher in diabetic patients with gallstones (28.4 ml) compared to those without (27.4 ml), though not statistically significant (p=0.844).
Similarly, controls with gallstones had a higher mean gallbladder volume (26.5 ml) than those without (24.1 ml), also not statistically significant (p=0.189).

Conclusions:

Fasting gallbladder volume showed a tendency to be larger in individuals with gallstones.
This suggests a potential, albeit not statistically significant in this cohort, association between larger gallbladder volume and gallstone presence.