Fundus of the Gallbladder Presented, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the inferior surface of the liver, the gallbladder is oriented obliquely so its fundus, the rounded distal extremity, projects anteriorly and inferiorly beyond the inferior hepatic margin. From a frontal perspective, the fundus sits lateral to the midline and continues superiorly into the body of the vesica fellea (gallbladder), with the visceral peritoneum reflecting onto the hepatic bed more proximally. The apex of the cholecystis forms the most anterior contour, while the body recedes posteriorly toward the infundibulum and cystic duct outside the immediate field. Clinically, the fundus is the portion most likely to contact the anterior abdominal wall and become tender in acute cholecystitis, forming the anatomic basis of Murphy sign. This is also where gallbladder distension becomes externally appreciable when outflow is obstructed, and where perforation can localize inflammation to the right upper quadrant. Surface anatomy matters. A frontal depiction helps correlate operative orientation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, when the surgeon first identifies the gallbladder’s anteriorly facing fundus and traces it proximally toward Calot triangle while protecting adjacent hepatic parenchyma and the right lobe’s visceral surface. Use this asset in hepatobiliary anatomy teaching for medical and PA curricula, in surgical atlases describing cholecystectomy exposure and traction technique, or in patient education materials explaining gallbladder pain patterns and gallstone-related obstruction. It also fits radiology primers that compare the anterior gallbladder fundus contour on ultrasound with the deeper posterior body and neck. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.