The Gallbladder, Bile Ducts and Liver

Location and Function

The liver is a vital organ located on the right side of the abdomen just under the ribs. The liver has two main lobes, the right which is the largest, and the left lobe (see figure on right). 

The liver contains many small bile ducts, which are tiny channels that come together to form the left and right hepatic ducts, which exit the liver and join to form the hepatic duct which is outside the liver. The hepatic duct becomes the common bile duct, which connects to the gall bladder, passes through the pancreas and empties into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestines (see figure below). 

The liver, gallbladder and bile ducts are part of the human gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. The liver processes food into nutrients for energy and growth in the body. The liver also processes every substance humans consume including medications, alcohol, vitamins etc.      

Function of the Hepatobiliary System

The liver breaks down every substance people consume including food, medications, vitamins and alcohol. One of the important substances made by the liver cells is bile, which is needed for digestion.

Bile travels through a network or “tree” of numerous tiny bile ducts. When food enters the stomach, the gallbladder and bile ducts contract (squeeze) and sends bile into the first portion of the small intestine, called the duodenum, where the bile helps to digest food, especially fat and protein. The liver is also a “factory” for making nutrients needed by the entire body.

Last Updated on 2/14/2012 7:32:07 AM