Cholecystocyte

Cholecystocyte is a term used to refer to the cells that make up the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, which stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.

Structure

Cholecystocytes are the epithelial cells that line the interior of the gallbladder. These cells are responsible for absorbing water and ions from the bile, concentrating it for storage. They are also involved in the secretion of mucin, a protein that helps protect the gallbladder from the potentially damaging effects of concentrated bile.

Function

The primary function of cholecystocytes is to concentrate and store bile. They do this by absorbing water and ions from the bile, which is initially a dilute solution when it is produced by the liver. This process increases the concentration of bile acids, which are the active components of bile that aid in the digestion of fats.

In addition to their role in bile concentration, cholecystocytes also secrete mucin. Mucin is a protein that forms a protective layer on the surface of the cholecystocytes, shielding them from the potentially damaging effects of concentrated bile.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction or damage to cholecystocytes can lead to a number of gallbladder diseases, including gallstones, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and gallbladder cancer. Gallstones, in particular, are often caused by an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, which can lead to the formation of hard, stone-like deposits in the gallbladder.

See also

• Gallbladder
• Bile
• Gallstones
• Cholecystitis
• Gallbladder cancer