Final answer:
Bile does not necessarily pass through the gallbladder to reach the duodenum, as it is produced by the liver and can go directly to the duodenum. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it when needed for digestion, particularly of fats. Without a gallbladder, digestion of high-fat meals can be problematic.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, in order to reach the duodenum, bile does not have to pass through the gallbladder. However, the gallbladder plays a crucial role in the storage and concentration of bile. Bile is produced by the liver and when not needed for digestion, it is stored in the gallbladder. Upon ingestion of food, especially fats, bile is secreted by the liver and gallbladder into the duodenum through the common bile duct. In the duodenum, bile helps in the digestion of fats by emulsifying them, which makes it easier for the enzyme lipase to break them down. Additionally, bile aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and helps to neutralize the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. Therefore, the gallbladder is an accessory organ and bile can reach the duodenum directly from the liver as well. People who have their gallbladder removed can face issues digesting high-fat meals as they lack the concentrated bile storage the gallbladder provides.