Which hormone stimulates contraction of the gallbladder?

Which hormone stimulates contraction of the gallbladder?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Gastrin
• C. Secretin
• D. Cholecystokinin

Answer: (D)

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone that plays a crucial role in the digestive process, particularly in the stimulation of the gallbladder. When food, especially fatty acids and amino acids, enters the small intestine, CCK is released by the cells in the duodenum. This hormone then travels through the bloodstream to the gallbladder, signaling it to contract and release stored bile into the small intestine. The bile is essential for emulsifying fats, thereby facilitating their digestion and absorption. This process not only enhances the digestive capacity of the intestines but also regulates the flow of bile as needed based on the composition of the ingested food. Understanding how CCK functions helps clarify its importance in coordinating digestion, particularly in response to dietary fats.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone that plays a crucial role in the digestive process, particularly in the stimulation of the gallbladder. When food, especially fatty acids and amino acids, enters the small intestine, CCK is released by the cells in the duodenum. This hormone then travels through the bloodstream to the gallbladder, signaling it to contract and release stored bile into the small intestine. The bile is essential for emulsifying fats, thereby facilitating their digestion and absorption.

This process not only enhances the digestive capacity of the intestines but also regulates the flow of bile as needed based on the composition of the ingested food. Understanding how CCK functions helps clarify its importance in coordinating digestion, particularly in response to dietary fats.