Which organ stores and concentrates bile and releases it in response to CCK?

Which organ stores and concentrates bile and releases it in response to CCK?

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

Answer: (B)

The organ responsible is the gallbladder. Bile is produced continuously by the liver, but it is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder between meals. When fatty or protein-rich chyme enters the small intestine, the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is released. CCK signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the duodenum via the common bile duct, where bile helps emulsify fats for digestion. The pancreas and stomach have different roles—pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, while the stomach mainly stores and begins digestion of food.

The organ responsible is the gallbladder. Bile is produced continuously by the liver, but it is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder between meals. When fatty or protein-rich chyme enters the small intestine, the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is released. CCK signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the duodenum via the common bile duct, where bile helps emulsify fats for digestion. The pancreas and stomach have different roles—pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, while the stomach mainly stores and begins digestion of food.