Bile acids are stored in the gallbladder.
The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile, a fluid produced by the liver that plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile acids, synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and conjugated to amino acids, are a key component of bile. After being produced in the liver, bile travels through the bile ducts to the gallbladder for storage. When food, particularly fatty food, enters the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and releases concentrated bile into the small intestine to emulsify fats, making them easier to digest and absorb. This process is essential for the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and other lipids.
