Final answer:
Bile is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, which aids digestion by releasing concentrated bile into the small intestine to break down fats. The gallbladder responds to hormonal signals when fat is present in the food, demonstrating its crucial role in the digestion process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bile is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small sac located just below the liver. Its primary function is to store bile produced by the liver and concentrate it by removing some of its water content. This concentrated bile is then released into the small intestine through the cystic duct as needed, particularly following a meal that includes fats.
Bile plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of lipids in the small intestine by breaking down fats into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed. The gallbladder contracts and pushes the bile into the small intestine in response to a hormone that's stimulated by the presence of fat in food. This process helps in the efficient digestion of dietary lipids.
The gallbladder can hold approximately 30-60 mL (1-2 oz) of bile at a time, ready to assist in the digestion process whenever necessary. This emphasizes the importance of the gallbladder in our digestive system and nutrition.