What is the purpose of the gallbladder?

The gallbladder serves the important role of storing bile, which is produced by the liver. Bile is a digestive fluid that aids in the emulsification and absorption of fats in the small intestine. When food, particularly fatty food, enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases the stored bile into the digestive tract to facilitate digestion. This function is crucial for maintaining proper digestive health and efficient nutrient absorption.

Other options relate to functions of different organs: urine production is the role of the kidneys, filtering blood is primarily performed by the kidneys as well, and hormone production typically happens in glands such as the pancreas or thyroid, not in the gallbladder. Understanding the specific function of the gallbladder in the digestive system highlights its importance to overall health and nutrient processing.