Question

How is the gallbladder involved in digestion, even though it is considered an accessory organ?

a) Stores bile produced by the liver; releases bile into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.
b) Produces enzymes for carbohydrate breakdown; secretes them into the pancreas for digestion.
c) Stores digestive enzymes; releases them during the initial phase of digestion.
d) Produces insulin for regulating blood sugar; assists in nutrient absorption.

Answer 1

The gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the liver into the duodenum to aid in fat digestion, acting as an accessory organ in the digestive system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gallbladder is involved in digestion by storing and concentrating bile, which is produced by the liver. When food in the form of chyme, especially containing fatty acids, enters the small intestine's first segment, known as the duodenum, the gallbladder releases the bile into it. The main function of bile is to emulsify fats, breaking them into smaller droplets, making them more accessible to digestive enzymes. Bile also neutralizes the acidity of the chyme coming from the stomach, providing a suitable environment for the digestive enzymes in the duodenum to function properly.

The correct answer to the question is (a) Stores bile produced by the liver; releases bile into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. The gallbladder is considered an accessory organ because it does not directly participate in the digestive process by having food pass through it, but rather aids by secreting bile to facilitate digestion.