What Does the Gallbladder Do?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
2. Stores Bile
The principal function of the gallbladder in the biliary system is to store bile. Bile is a mixture of compounds whose color ranges between yellowish brown and dark green. Its constituents include bile acids and salts, bile pigments, cholesterol, phospholipids, electrolytes, bilirubin, and water.
It is produced in the liver and delivered to the gallbladder through the cystic duct. In the gallbladder, bile is stored until it is required for use in the small intestines. Before a meal, the gallbladder is full of bile, which it empties into the duodenum (via the common bile duct) to aid in digestion.
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