The gallbladder is one of the six fu-organs. Its primary function is to store bile and secrete it to aid digestion. It does not directly communicate with the external environment and is not directly involved in the transmission and transformation of food and fluids, differing from the functions of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, it is also classified as one of the "extraordinary fu-organs."

Since the gallbladder stores bile secreted by the liver (Wang Shu-he Maijing states: "The surplus qi of the liver is discharged into the gallbladder, where it accumulates and becomes essence"), which is relatively pure and contains essential qi, it is also referred to as the "essence juice." Unlike the waste and excretions in the intestines and bladder, it is known as the "organ of refined essence" or the "organ of clarity."

The gallbladder is also internally and externally related to the liver, with the "liver governing the planning of strategies" and the "gallbladder dominating decision-making." The combined functions of the liver and gallbladder indicate their connection to certain aspects of the central nervous system.

Additionally, the gallbladder and liver house "ministerial fire" (in contrast to the "monarch fire" of the heart), making them prone to pathological manifestations of "fire" symptoms.