Final answer:
The interdigestive period of the gallbladder refers to the time between meals when the gallbladder is not actively involved in storing or releasing bile.
Step-by-step explanation:
The interdigestive period of the gallbladder refers to the time between meals when the gallbladder is not actively involved in storing or releasing bile. During this period, bile continues to be produced by the liver, but it is diverted to the gallbladder and stored there for future use.
The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. When fatty chyme enters the duodenum, it stimulates the gallbladder to release stored bile into the common bile duct, which then carries it to the duodenum to help with fat digestion. This process typically occurs when food is present in the duodenum, during the digestive phase.