Which hormone stimulates the gallbladder to release bile?

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone responsible for stimulating the gallbladder to release bile. When food, especially fatty acids and amino acids, enters the small intestine, the cells of the intestinal wall release CCK into the bloodstream. CCK has several important physiological functions, one of which is to promote the contraction of the gallbladder. This contraction results in the release of stored bile into the duodenum, which is essential for emulsifying fats and aiding in digestion.

CCK also has other roles, such as stimulating the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and slowing down gastric emptying to ensure that digestion occurs efficiently. The targeted action of CCK on the gallbladder demonstrates its crucial role in coordinating digestive processes in response to the presence of nutrients in the intestine. This highlights the intricate hormonal regulation involved in digestion and metabolism.