The organ found under the liver that stores bile is called the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is located just below the liver in the upper right abdomen. It is connected to the liver by a series of bile ducts, which transport bile produced by the liver to the gallbladder for storage.
Bile is a yellowish-green fluid that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It is made up of various substances, including water, electrolytes, and a mixture of bile acids, cholesterol, and pigments. Bile plays an important role in the digestive process by helping to break down fats in the small intestine.
When we eat a meal that contains fats, the gallbladder is signaled to contract and release stored bile into the small intestine through the bile ducts. This helps to emulsify the fats, which allows them to be more easily digested by the body. Bile also helps to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
While the gallbladder is an important organ, it is not essential for survival. In cases where the gallbladder becomes diseased or is not functioning properly, it can be removed through a surgical procedure called a cholecystectomy. After the gallbladder is removed, the liver will continue to produce bile, but it will be released directly into the small intestine rather than being stored in the gallbladder.
In conclusion, the gallbladder is a small organ found under the liver that stores bile produced by the liver. It plays an important role in the digestive process by releasing bile into the small intestine to help break down fats and absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. While the gallbladder is important, it is not essential for survival and can be removed if necessary.