What are the two functions of the gallbladder?

The main functions of the gallbladder are to store, concentrate and release bile into the small intestine during digestion.

The gallbladder plays a very important role in the digestion of our food.

Our liver produces a chemical called bile which is used to breakdown the food in our small intestine. The liver is always producing bile and the gallbladder stores the bile when we are not using it for digestion.

The thick, protective walls of the gallbladder store and concentrate the bile when we are not digesting. When food enters the small intestine from the stomach a hormone called cholecystokinin is released. This hormone triggers the gallbladder to contract, or squeeze tightly and release bile into the small intestine through the common bile duct.

It is possible to live without your gallbladder and many people who suffer from gallstones require its removal.