During the transport process, the body stores bile in the gallbladder. Sitting just below the liver, the gallbladder is a small, hollow organ with a pear-like shape. Bile enters the gallbladder through the common hepatic duct and remains there until the body digests food. At any moment, the gallbladder contains 30 to 60 milliliters of bile. When food enters the digestive tract, the duodenum secretes the hormone cholecystokinin. In response to this hormone, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile through the common bile duct.

This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.