What does the gallbladder do with bile?

The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestion process by storing bile produced by the liver. When food, particularly fats, enters the small intestine, the gallbladder releases this stored bile. This bile helps emulsify dietary fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets, which enhances the action of digestive enzymes and promotes fat absorption in the small intestine.

While the gallbladder does indeed store bile, its primary function, especially in relation to the timing of digestion, is to release it when needed. This release is triggered by the presence of fats in the small intestine, thereby facilitating the digestive process. The other options do not accurately describe the gallbladder's function; it does not mix bile with blood or digest it. Understanding this process highlights the importance of the gallbladder in efficiently managing the body’s need for bile during digestion.