Bladder vs. Gallbladder: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
The bladder is a muscular sac that stores urine, whereas the gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.
Key Differences
Both the bladder and gallbladder are essential storage organs in the human body, each serving different functions. The bladder, found in the pelvic area, holds urine produced by the kidneys until it's expelled. In contrast, the gallbladder, located beneath the liver, temporarily stores bile, a digestive fluid.
Physiologically, the bladder expands and contracts based on the volume of urine it contains. It plays a pivotal role in the urinary system, acting as a reservoir before disposal. The gallbladder, part of the digestive system, releases bile into the small intestine, aiding in the digestion of fats.
Health issues related to these organs differ in nature. Bladder problems might include infections, overactivity, or even cancer. The gallbladder is notorious for developing gallstones, which can block bile flow and cause pain or inflammation.
While both organs store specific bodily fluids, their structures and locations are distinct. The bladder is larger and has a more flexible, muscular wall, allowing for significant expansion. The gallbladder, though smaller, has a thin, pear-shaped structure.
In medical and surgical practices, it's possible to live without either of these organs. The body can adapt to the absence of a bladder using alternative methods to store and expel urine. Without a gallbladder, bile flows directly into the small intestine, albeit in smaller amounts.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Stores urine
Stores bile
System
Urinary
Digestive
Location
Pelvic area
Beneath the liver
Common Issues
Infections, overactivity, cancer
Gallstones, inflammation
Physical Structure
Muscular, expandable sac
Small, pear-shaped organ
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Bladder and Gallbladder Definitions
Bladder
An organ that stores urine.
It's essential to empty your bladder regularly.
Gallbladder
Part of the digestive system.
Eating fatty foods can stimulate the gallbladder.
Bladder
Can expand and contract based on urine volume.
The bladder can hold up to 500 milliliters of urine.
Gallbladder
A pear-shaped organ.
The gallbladder's unique shape is easily identifiable in medical scans.
Bladder
A muscular sac in the pelvis.
The doctor examined the bladder using an ultrasound.
Gallbladder
Can develop stones that block bile flow.
She had her gallbladder removed because of persistent gallstones.
Bladder
(Anatomy)Any of various distensible membranous sacs, such as the urinary bladder or the swim bladder, that serve as receptacles for fluid or gas.
Gallbladder
A small organ located under the liver.
The surgeon removed his gallbladder due to gallstones.
Bladder
(Medicine)A blister, pustule, or cyst filled with fluid or air; a vesicle.
Gallbladder
Stores bile produced by the liver.
The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine.
Bladder
An item resembling one of the membranous sacs in animals
The bladder of a buoyancy compensator.
Gallbladder
A small, pear-shaped muscular sac under the right lobe of the liver, where bile secreted by the liver is stored until needed by the body for digestion.
Bladder
(Botany)Any of various hollow or inflated saclike organs or structures, such as the floats of certain seaweeds or the specialized traps of bladderworts.
Gallbladder
Alternative spelling of gall bladder
Bladder
(zoology) A flexible sac that can expand and contract and that holds liquids or gases.
Gallbladder
A muscular sac attached to the liver that secretes bile and stores it until needed for digestion
Bladder
(anatomy) Specifically, the urinary bladder.
Bladder
(botany) A hollow, inflatable organ of a plant.
Bladder
The inflatable bag inside various balls used in sports, such as footballs and rugby balls.
Bladder
A sealed plastic bag that contains wine and is usually packaged in a cask.
Bladder
(figurative) Anything inflated, empty, or unsound.
Bladder
To swell out like a bladder with air; to inflate.
Bladder
(transitive) To store or put up in bladders.
Bladdered lard
Bladder
A bag or sac in animals, which serves as the receptacle of some fluid; as, the urinary bladder; the gall bladder; - applied especially to the urinary bladder, either within the animal, or when taken out and inflated with air.
Bladder
Any vesicle or blister, especially if filled with air, or a thin, watery fluid.
Bladder
A distended, membranaceous pericarp.
Bladder
Anything inflated, empty, or unsound.
Bladder
To swell out like a bladder with air; to inflate.
Bladder
To put up in bladders; as, bladdered lard.
Bladder
A distensible membranous sac (usually containing liquid or gas)
Bladder
A bag that fills with air
Bladder
Part of the urinary system.
The bladder plays a crucial role in waste elimination.
Bladder
Subject to various health conditions.
She was diagnosed with a bladder infection and given antibiotics.
FAQs
What does the gallbladder do with bile?
The gallbladder stores and releases bile into the small intestine.
Where is the gallbladder located?
The gallbladder is found beneath the liver.
Can a person live without a bladder?
Yes, there are medical alternatives for those without a bladder.
Why might someone have their gallbladder removed?
Common reasons include gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
How does urine get into the bladder?
Kidneys produce urine, which travels to the bladder via the ureters.
How often should one empty their bladder?
It's advised to empty the bladder every 3-4 hours or when there's an urge.
What is the primary function of the bladder?
The bladder stores urine until it's expelled from the body.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
