What is the main function of the gallbladder?

The main function of the gallbladder is to concentrate and store bile. Bile is produced by the liver and plays a critical role in digestion, particularly in the emulsification and absorption of fats in the small intestine. The gallbladder acts as a reservoir, holding onto bile until it is needed for digestion. When food, especially fatty foods, enters the small intestine, the gallbladder is stimulated to release stored bile through the bile ducts into the intestine. This process allows for the efficient breakdown of fats, aiding in their absorption.

While the liver produces bile, filtering blood is primarily the role of the kidneys, and nutrient absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine. Therefore, the gallbladder's primary focus is on the storage and concentration of bile, ensuring that when food digestion occurs, there is a sufficient and concentrated amount of bile available to facilitate the process.