The gallbladder is located under the liver on the right side. This little organ stores bile.
Unfortunately, gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, can cause severe pain. In fact, research suggests that nearly 10–20% of adults will develop gallstones at some point in their lives. Factors such as diet, obesity, and genetics can influence this.
For this reason, I am here to guide you on where the gallbladder is located, its exact position, anatomy, and importance to your health.
Where is the gallbladder located?
The gallbladder is an anatomical structure located under the liver on the right side. Specifically, it’s located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, under the liver. This little pear-shaped sac is connected to the liver and small intestine by a network of bile ducts, which is responsible for transporting bile.
It’s located there so it can store and release the bile produced by the liver for digestion. The gallbladder is close to the liver and bile ducts so bile can be mobilized quickly when needed.

Gallbladder Anatomy
The gallbladder anatomy is complex for such a small organ. It has several segments: fundus, body, infundibulum, and neck. These parts work together to store and release bile.
The gallbladder is found in a shallow fossa under the liver, with the neck adjacent to the common bile duct.
In an adult, the gallbladder can hold about 30-50 mL of bile when full. It’s 7-10 cm long and 5 cm wide.
The cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct so bile can flow from the liver into the gallbladder and then into the small intestine during digestion.
Where is the Gallbladder in Our body?
As mentioned, the gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ. It’s located on your right side of the abdomen, under your liver. It is connected to the duodenum through the cystic and common bile ducts, which transport bile from the gallbladder during digestion. This connection allows bile to be delivered quickly when needed to break down fats.
Generally speaking, the gallbladder’s main job is to store bile produced by the liver for fat digestion. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile for smooth digestion; that’s why it’s an important part of our digestive system.
In the Biliary System
A part of the biliary system, the gallbladder and biliary tree produce, store, and transport bile. Bile produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder until digestion is triggered.
The gallbladder is connected to the liver and bile ducts through dense connective tissue, which supplies it with blood and nerve supply.
Fatty food in the small intestine triggers the gallbladder to contract. This contraction makes the gallbladder release bile into the duodenum.
This bile emulsifies fats so pancreatic enzymes can digest them. The gallbladder can hold 30-80 mL of bile to ensure there’s enough to aid digestion whenever needed.
Gallbladder Function
The main function of the gallbladder is to be a storage site for bile so it can be concentrated before being released into the small intestine during digestion.
Bile from the liver is important for breaking down fats in food, and the gallbladder plays a role in releasing this bile when needed.
As you can see, bile contains bile salts, which emulsify fats so pancreatic enzymes can digest them. The gallbladder contracts to push bile into the duodenum after fatty food intake.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Gallbladder pain is often caused by gallstones, which can block the bile ducts. These hardened deposits form when there’s an imbalance in bile composition and can cause blockage and digestive problems. Gallstones are one of the most common causes of gallbladder problems, affecting many people worldwide.
About 6.3 million men and 14.2 million women in the US between the ages of 20 and 74 have gallbladder cancer. Non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans had about the same age-standardized frequency, but non-Hispanic blacks had less.
Here are some common risk factors:
- Family history: Genetics can contribute to gallstone formation.
- Diet: A fat- and cholesterol-rich diet and a low-fiber diet increase the risk.
- Obesity: Excess weight is a risk factor.
- Age and Gender: Gallstones are more common in women and older adults.
- Rapid weight loss: Losing weight quickly can cause gallstone formation.
Gallbladder Symptoms
Upper right abdomen pain is a sign of gallbladder dysfunction. You may experience sharp, stabbing pains that can radiate to the back or shoulder areas. Sudden severe abdominal pain is a gallbladder attack.
Other symptoms to look out for:
- Sweating, fever, or chills: This is a severe condition.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes needs immediate attention.
- Pale stools: A serious gallbladder problem needs to be evaluated immediately.
- Abdominal pain that lasts more than 5 hours: Needs medical attention now.
Types of Gallbladder Conditions
There are several types of gallbladder conditions. Gallbladder disease is a common condition where hardened deposits form due to an imbalance in bile composition and can cause blockage and digestive problems. These stones can be small or big and can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort.
Other gallbladder conditions include:
- Gallbladder polyps: Benign growths on the lining, but larger polyps need to be removed.
- Gallbladder cancer: A rare but serious condition that’s often asymptomatic until advanced stages.
How to Diagnose Gallbladder Problems
Diagnosing gallbladder problems starts with an ultrasound, a non-invasive procedure to visualize the gallbladder and check for gallstones or inflammation. This is widely used because it’s effective and easy.
Other diagnostic tests:
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Combines endoscopy and x-rays to diagnose and treat bile and pancreatic duct problems.
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): A non-invasive imaging test that uses magnetic resonance imaging to examine the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Treatment
When it comes to gallbladder problems, gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, is often the first option.
Moreover, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done through small incisions and a camera for faster recovery.
Other treatment:
- Open cholecystectomy: larger incision and longer hospital stay.
- ERCP: Used for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions like removing gallstones from the bile duct.
Treatment should be based on patient condition and symptoms for better outcomes.
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Life Without Gallbladder
After gallbladder surgery, bile flows directly to the small intestine, which can affect digestion.
However, After gallbladder removal, bile is continuously released to the intestines, which can cause digestive problems like diarrhea.
Adjusting to these changes can be done with these tips:
- Reduce fat intake: Eases digestion and discomfort.
- Add more soluble fiber: Regulates bowel movement.
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals: Better digestion and nutrient absorption.
Most people don’t experience significant digestive problems after gallbladder removal, but some may have occasional loose stools.
When to See a Doctor
If you have persistent diarrhea after gallbladder removal, see a doctor. Common symptoms of gallbladder problems are abdominal pain and sharp pain in the upper right quadrant.
Regular check-ups and see a doctor if you have severe pain or other symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if it’s your gallbladder hurting?
If you’re feeling sharp, knife-like pain under your rib cage in the upper right abdomen, it could be your gallbladder acting up. That level of pain can be intense and might even feel like a heart attack.
What are the first signs of having gallstones?
If you’re experiencing steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen that comes on quickly, along with nausea or pain in your back and right shoulder, those could be early signs of gallstones. Don’t ignore symptoms like jaundice or fever; it’s best to consult a doctor.
What are common symptoms of gallbladder issues?
If you’re dealing with gallbladder issues, you might notice symptoms like abdominal pain, especially sharp pain that radiates to your back or shoulder, along with jaundice and pale-colored stools.
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