What it means
A small organ under the right side of the liverLIV-erA large organ in the right upper abdomen that processes nutrients, makes bile and clotting factors, and clears drugs and toxins from the blood.hepat/o liverFull entry . The liver makes bile, and the gallbladder stores and concentrates it. After a fatty meal, it squeezes bile into the duodenumdoo-uh-DEE-numThe first, short part of the small intestine, just after the stomach.Full entry to help break down fats. Hard stones can form in it (gallstones, cholelithiasis), and it can become inflamed (cholecystitis). Many people have it removed by surgery (cholecystectomy) and digest normally without it.
At a glance
| Spanish | vesícula biliar |
|---|---|
| Also written | gallbladder's, gallbladder’s, gall bladder |
Related terms
digestion
The process of breaking food down into small parts the body can absorb and use.
hepatic
Relating to the liver.
liver
A large organ in the right upper abdomen that processes nutrients, makes bile and clotting factors, and clears drugs and toxins from the blood.
duodenum
The first, short part of the small intestine, just after the stomach.