What role does CCK play in the context of gallbladder function?

• A. It inhibits gallbladder contraction
• B. It promotes gallbladder contraction
• C. It stimulates bile reabsorption
• D. It decreases bile production

Answer: (B)

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide hormone that plays a critical role in digestion, particularly concerning gallbladder function. When food enters the duodenum, especially fatty acids and amino acids, CCK is released from the intestinal cells into the bloodstream. One of its primary functions is to promote gallbladder contraction, which facilitates the release of bile stored in the gallbladder into the small intestine.

This release of bile is essential for the emulsification and digestion of fats, allowing for better absorption of nutrients. CCK also has other functions, such as stimulating the pancreas to release digestive enzymes and slowing gastric emptying, but its direct effect on the gallbladder is to promote contraction to ensure that bile is delivered effectively when needed in the digestive process. This is why the answer indicating that CCK promotes gallbladder contraction is the correct one.