Anatomy of Gallbladder: Function, Innervation, Blood Supply, Disorders

The gallbladder is a small organ which is located beneath the liver. It plays a vital role in the digestive process, storing and releasing bile into the small intestine. Understanding its anatomy and function is important for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as gallstones, cholecystitis, and cholangitis. If you experience symptoms such as pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, or fever, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In this article, we will explore the anatomy of the gallbladder, its function, and the common disorders associated with it.

Read this blog further to get a quick overview of this important topic for anatomy preparation and ace your NEET PG exam preparation.

Anatomy of Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that is approximately 3-4 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter. It is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. The gallbladder is divided into three main sections: the fundus, body, and neck.

The fundus is the rounded portion of the gallbladder that is located at the top. The body is the middle portion of the gallbladder, while the neck is the narrowest part that connects to the bile ducts. The gallbladder is made up of three layers: the outermost layer, which is called the serosa; the middle layer, which is made up of smooth muscle cells; and the innermost layer, which is made up of mucosal cells.

Also Read: Venous Drainage of Upper Limb and Lower Limb

what is the function of gallbladder?

The main function of the gallbladder is to store and release bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that is produced by the liver. Bile is important for the digestion of fats in the small intestine.

When food enters the small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) is released. CCK stimulates the gallbladder to contract, which causes bile to be released into the small intestine. Bile helps to break down fats into smaller droplets, which can then be easily absorbed by the body.

Also Read: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Innervation of Gallbladder 

The gallbladder is innervated by the autonomic nervous system, which includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the gallbladder's response to stress and is activated during the "fight or flight" response. Sympathetic nerves originate from the thoracic spinal cord and travel through the sympathetic trunk to reach the gallbladder. These nerves cause the gallbladder to contract and release bile.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the gallbladder's response to digestion and is activated during the "rest and digest" response. Parasympathetic nerves originate from the vagus nerve and travel to the gallbladder. These nerves cause the gallbladder to relax and fill with bile.

Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together to regulate the contraction and relaxation of the gallbladder and the release of bile. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system can result in gallbladder dysfunction and contribute to the development of gallbladder disease.

In addition to the autonomic nervous system, the gallbladder is also innervated by sensory nerves that transmit information about the gallbladder's state to the brain. These nerves are important for sensing pain, inflammation, and other changes in the gallbladder that can indicate the presence of gallbladder disease.

Also Read: Ulnar Nerve Lesions Causes

Blood Supply of Gallbladder

The gallbladder is supplied with blood by the cystic artery, which is a branch of the right hepatic artery. The right hepatic artery originates from the common hepatic artery, which arises from the celiac trunk. The cystic artery enters the gallbladder fossa on the undersurface of liver and divides into multiple branches that supply the gallbladder with oxygenated blood. The blood supply to the gallbladder is crucial for its normal function and survival. The cystic artery also provides blood to the cystic duct, which connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct.

The venous drainage of the gallbladder is through the cystic vein, which runs parallel to the cystic artery. The cystic vein drains into the cystic vein which is the main vein that carries blood from digestive organs to the liver, the venous drainage of the gallbladder is important for removing waste products and deoxygenated blood from the organ. In addition to the cystic artery and the vein, the gallbladder is also supplied by a network of small vessels, including arterioles, capillaries and venules. These vessels are important for maintaining the microcirculation of the gallbladder, which allows for the exchange of nutrients and waste products with surrounding tissues.

Also Read: Fetal Circulation: Development and Changes at Birth

Disorders of Gallbladder

Several disorders can affect the gallbladder, including :

Gallstones

Small and hard deposits which are formed in  gallbladder. They are made up of cholesterol or bilirubin, which is a pigment produced by the liver. Gallstones can cause pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Treatment may involve medication, surgery, or both.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It can be caused by gallstones or by an infection. Symptoms include pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and nausea. Treatment may involve antibiotics and surgery.

Cholangitis

Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts that can occur when gallstones block the bile ducts. Symptoms include pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice. Treatment may involve antibiotics and surgery.

Also Read: Tricuspid Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications

Causes of Gallbladder Disease 

Gallbladder disease refers to any medical condition that affects the gallbladder, such as inflammation, gallstones, and cancer. Several causes of gallbladder disease are:

• Gallstones: Gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder disease. They are hard, stone-like deposits that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Gallstones can block the bile ducts, causing inflammation, infection, and pain.
• Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing gallstones and other gallbladder diseases. Excess body fat increases the production of cholesterol, which can contribute to the formation of gallstones.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to gallbladder disease due to genetic factors. If someone in your family has a history of gallstones or gallbladder disease, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.
• Hormones: Women are more likely to develop gallstones and other gallbladder diseases than men. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and the use of hormonal birth control can increase the risk of gallbladder disease.
• Rapid weight loss: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones and other gallbladder diseases. When the body rapidly loses weight, it can cause the liver to produce more cholesterol, which can contribute to the formation of gallstones.
• Medications: Certain medications can increase the risk of gallbladder disease. For example, estrogen replacement therapy and cholesterol-lowering drugs can increase the production of cholesterol, which can contribute to the formation of gallstones.
• Age: The risk of developing gallstones and other gallbladder diseases increases with age. Older adults are more likely to develop gallbladder disease than younger people.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of gallbladder disease. These include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes.

In conclusion, gallbladder disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including gallstones, obesity, genetics, hormones, rapid weight loss, medications, age, and medical conditions. If you experience symptoms of gallbladder disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Also Read: SCABIES: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease 

Gallbladder disease refers to any medical condition that affects the gallbladder, such as inflammation, gallstones, and cancer. The symptoms of gallbladder disease can vary depending on the specific condition, but common symptoms include:

1. Abdominal pain: The most common symptom of gallbladder disease is pain in the upper right or middle of the abdomen. The pain may be sharp, dull, or crampy, and it may come and go. The pain may also be felt in the back or under the right shoulder blade.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of gallbladder disease, especially if the condition is caused by gallstones or inflammation.
3. Fever: A fever may develop if there is an infection in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
4. Jaundice: Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes that can occur if the bile ducts become blocked by gallstones or other factors.
5. Clay-colored stools: If the bile ducts are blocked, the stools may become pale or clay-colored.
6. Dark urine: Dark urine can be a sign of bile duct blockage.
7. Bloating and indigestion: Bloating, gas, and indigestion may occur if the gallbladder is not functioning properly.
8. Fatigue: Fatigue may occur if there is an infection or inflammation in the gallbladder.
9. Shoulder pain: Shoulder pain may occur if there is irritation or inflammation in the diaphragm, which is located near the gallbladder.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Gallbladder disease can be a serious condition if left untreated, and prompt medical care can help prevent complications.

Also Read: Necrotizing Enterocolitis : Types, Causes, Stages, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications : Anatomy

Treatment of Gallbladder Diseases

The treatment for gallbladder disease will depend on the specific condition and the severity of the symptoms. Here are some common treatments for gallbladder disease:

1. Gallstones: If gallstones are causing symptoms, treatment may involve medications to dissolve the stones, or surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves making small incisions in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder. In some cases, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used to remove gallstones that are blocking the bile ducts.
2. Inflammation: Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) may require antibiotics to treat the infection and pain medication to relieve symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the gallbladder.
3. Cancer: If cancer is detected in the gallbladder, treatment may involve surgery to remove the gallbladder and surrounding tissue. Additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may also be necessary.
4. Other conditions: Treatment for other conditions that affect the gallbladder, such as biliary dyskinesia or gallbladder polyps, may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms of gallbladder disease. This includes eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of gallbladder disease. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

This is everything that you need to know about anatomy of gallbladder for your anatomy preparation. For more interesting and informative blog posts like this download the PrepLadder App and keep reading our blog!

Download the PrepLadder app now and unlock a 24-hour FREE trial of premium high-yield content. Access Video Lectures, digital notes, QBank, and Mock Tests for FREE to ace your NEET PG preparation. Elevate your study experience and gear up for success. Start your journey with PrepLadder today!