Which structure serves to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver?

The gallbladder is the structure responsible for storing and concentrating bile produced by the liver. Bile is a digestive fluid that aids in the emulsification and absorption of fats in the small intestine. While the liver continuously produces bile, it is stored in the gallbladder until it is needed for digestion, particularly after the intake of fatty meals.

When food enters the small intestine, especially if it contains fats, hormones stimulate the gallbladder to contract and release concentrated bile into the small intestine via the common bile duct, facilitating the digestion process. The gallbladder's specific role in this process is essential, as without it, bile would be less effectively concentrated, potentially leading to impaired fat digestion.

In contrast, the common bile duct is a channel that transports bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum but does not store bile. The pancreatic duct, on the other hand, carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine and is not involved in bile storage. Lastly, the large intestine primarily functions in water absorption and fecal matter formation and is not related to the storage or concentration of bile.