Which organ stores bile and releases it into the small intestine to aid digestion?

Which organ stores bile and releases it into the small intestine to aid digestion?

• A. Stomach
• B. Liver
• C. Pancreas
• D. Gallbladder

Answer: (D)

The function described is about how bile is stored and released to aid fat digestion. Bile is produced by the liver and then stored in the gallbladder until it’s needed. When fatty food enters the small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the duodenum through the common bile duct. Bile’s job is to emulsify fats, increasing their surface area so pancreatic enzymes can digest them more effectively. The other organs don’t fit this role: the stomach mainly stores and churns food; the liver makes bile but does not store it; the pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine but does not store bile.

The function described is about how bile is stored and released to aid fat digestion. Bile is produced by the liver and then stored in the gallbladder until it’s needed. When fatty food enters the small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the duodenum through the common bile duct. Bile’s job is to emulsify fats, increasing their surface area so pancreatic enzymes can digest them more effectively.

The other organs don’t fit this role: the stomach mainly stores and churns food; the liver makes bile but does not store it; the pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine but does not store bile.