Gallbladder fundus

Gallbladder Fundus

The gallbladder fundus is the most distal part of the gallbladder, a small organ that aids in the digestive process by storing bile produced by the liver. The gallbladder fundus, along with the gallbladder body and gallbladder neck, make up the three main sections of the gallbladder.

Anatomy

The gallbladder fundus is located at the bottom of the gallbladder, opposite the gallbladder neck. It is typically the most distended part of the gallbladder and is in close proximity to the abdominal wall, specifically the right ninth costal cartilage.

Function

The primary function of the gallbladder fundus, like the rest of the gallbladder, is to store bile. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats. When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts, pushing bile into the small intestine to aid in digestion.

Clinical Significance

The gallbladder fundus is often the site of gallstones, which are hard, pebble-like deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause pain and other complications, such as cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder.

Gallbladder cancer, although rare, can also originate in the gallbladder fundus. Symptoms of gallbladder cancer can be similar to those of gallstones, making early detection difficult.

See Also

• Gallbladder
• Bile
• Gallstones
• Cholecystitis
• Gallbladder cancer