The gallbladder is a small hollow organ where bile is stored and concentrated before it is released into the small intestine.

This organ has three anatomical parts, listed below from lateral to medial:

Fundus - the most lateral part of the gallbladder that typically protrudes beyond the lower border of the liver and may touch the anterior abdominal wall; this part can be palpated at the level of approximately the right 9th costal cartilage (the intersection of the lateral border of the right rectus abdominis and the costal margin);
Body - located on the visceral surface of the liver (in the gallbladder fossa);
Neck - tapers posteriorly from the infundibulum and has a spiral valve, connecting it to the cystic duct.

Arterial blood supply

The arterial blood supply to the gallbladder is provided by the cystic artery – typically arising from the right hepatic artery and found in the hepatocystic triangle.

The hepatocystic triangle (also known as the triangle of Calot) is bordered by the:

Common hepatic duct
Cystic duct
Visceral surface of the liver

Venous drainage

The venous drainage of the gallbladder is provided by veins draining into the portal vein.

Innervation

The galbladder is innervated by the autonomic nervous system.

Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers are supplied by the vagus nerve (CN X).
Sympathetic fibers are supplied by the greater splanchnic nerve, synapsing at the celiac ganglion and fibers traveling to the celiac plexus.

Unlock with Premium

Gallbladder