Body of the Gallbladder Flashcards

Study the gallbladder body, including its anatomical boundaries, hepatic attachment, visceral relations, wall structure, and bile storage.

Card 1 of 24Question

What is the body of the gallbladder?

The largest central portion of the gallbladder, situated between its fundus and neck.

In This Section

1. What is the body of the gallbladder?

The largest central portion of the gallbladder, situated between its fundus and neck.

2. Which part of the gallbladder lies anterior to the body?

The fundus.

3. Which part of the gallbladder lies proximal to the cystic duct?

The neck, into which the body gradually narrows.

4. Where is the body of the gallbladder located relative to the liver?

In the gallbladder fossa on the visceral surface of the liver.

5. Which functional liver segments border the gallbladder fossa?

Segments IVb and V.

6. What are the two principal surfaces of the gallbladder body?

The hepatic surface and the free peritoneal surface.

7. How is the hepatic surface of the gallbladder body attached to the liver?

By connective tissue containing small vessels and lymphatics.

8. What covers the free surface of the gallbladder body?

Visceral peritoneum.

9. Which part of the duodenum commonly lies adjacent to the gallbladder body?

The superior, or first, part of the duodenum.

10. Which part of the large intestine may contact the inferior surface of the gallbladder body?

The transverse colon, particularly near the right colic flexure.

11. What is the principal physiological function of the gallbladder body?

To provide a distensible reservoir for storing and concentrating bile.

12. What type of epithelium lines the mucosa of the gallbladder body?

Simple columnar epithelium with apical microvilli.

13. How does the epithelium of the gallbladder body concentrate bile?

By absorbing water and electrolytes from the stored bile.

14. What is the appearance of the gallbladder body mucosa when the organ is empty?

It forms numerous irregular folds that flatten as the gallbladder distends.

15. Which two typical gastrointestinal wall layers are absent from the gallbladder body?

The muscularis mucosae and submucosa.

16. How are smooth muscle fibers arranged in the wall of the gallbladder body?

In irregularly oriented, interlacing bundles.

17. Which hormone stimulates contraction of the gallbladder body after a meal?

Cholecystokinin.

18. Which artery provides the principal blood supply to the gallbladder body?

The cystic artery, usually a branch of the right hepatic artery.

19. How does venous blood from the hepatic surface of the gallbladder body drain?

Through small veins directly into the adjacent liver and its portal venous branches.

20. Which lymph node commonly receives lymph from the gallbladder body?

The cystic lymph node, also called the node of Lund.

21. Which autonomic nerve plexus supplies the gallbladder body?

The hepatic plexus.

22. What are Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses in the gallbladder body?

Invaginations of the mucosa extending into or through the muscular wall.

23. What is a cholecystoenteric fistula?

An abnormal connection between the gallbladder and intestine, often involving the duodenum.

24. Why is the hepatic attachment of the gallbladder body important during cholecystectomy?

Dissection along this attachment separates the gallbladder from its liver bed while minimizing injury to hepatic tissue.