Final answer:
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which helps with lipid digestion. Gallstones can block the bile duct and cause jaundice. Digestive problems can occur after gallbladder removal due to the loss of its role in bile storage and concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ located under the right side of the liver. It stores and concentrates bile, which is produced in the liver and helps with lipid digestion in the duodenum. The gallbladder has a simple columnar epithelium that absorbs water and ions from bile, concentrating it by up to 10-fold. When the smooth muscle fibers in the gallbladder wall contract, bile is ejected through the cystic duct and into the bile duct.
Gallstones, which are solid particles made up of cholesterol and other substances, can sometimes form in the gallbladder. If a large gallstone blocks the bile duct, the bile cannot be excreted, leading to jaundice. This condition gives a yellow color to the skin and whiteness to the eyes.
When people have their gallbladder removed, they may experience digestive problems after eating high-fat meals because the gallbladder is responsible for concentrating and storing bile, which aids in fat digestion.