The Gallbladder

digestive system · organs · biology

Pear-shaped pouch. The gallbladder looks like a small pear and sits hidden under your liver. It's only about the size of a golf ball, but it does important work for your digestion.

Stores bile juice. Bile is a special yellowish liquid made by your liver. The gallbladder keeps this bile safe and concentrated until your body needs it.

Helps digest fats. When you eat fatty foods like avocado or cheese, your gallbladder squeezes and sends bile into your small intestine to break down those fats so your body can use them.

Works with the liver. Your liver makes the bile, but your gallbladder stores and releases it at just the right time. They work as a team to keep digestion running smoothly.

Different in other animals. While humans have a pear-shaped gallbladder under the liver, other animals like lions and horses have gallbladders in different positions and shapes.