The gallbladder as reservoir and protector of the digestive tract

Jiménez F.N.P.; Torres J.F.R.; Fernández N.S.; Toapanta P.S.P.; Figueroa E.M.S. · Revista Cubana de Investigaciones Biomedicas (2020)

Resumen

Introduction: anatomo-physiological and biomolecular studies of the gallbladder have allowed us to redefine its function not only as a reservoir for bile secretion, but also as an intestinal protector, a concept that is based on its ability to control the biological and toxicological activities of bile acids, metabolism of cholesterol, phospholipids and other components of hepatobiliary secretion. Objective: to describe the current knowledge about the functionality of the gallbladder as a reservoir and protector of the digestive tract, which allow their expansion and conceptualize the function of the gallbladder in humans. Method: A systematic and critical review of the gallbladder functions that favor the integrity and functionality of the intestinal wall was performed, which will serve as a new curricular concept of its anatomo-physiological aspects. Conclusion: the updated description of the functionality of the gallbladder offers a relevant result in its conceptual framework related to its reservoir and protective function that results in the maintenance of the integrity of the epithelium and intestinal microbiota.