Gallstone crystals. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fractured gallstone, revealing its internal crystals. Gallstones form in the gall

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Gallstone crystals. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fractured gallstone, revealing its internal crystals. Gallstones form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile produced by the liver until it is needed. When there is an imbalance in the chemical composition of the bile, cholesterol and bile pigments may crystallise. Over time these crystals can develop into gallstones. Gallstones are usually symptomless unless one obstructs the bile duct, which can cause acute pain, jaundice and infection. Treatment is with drugs to dissolve the stones or surgical removal of the gallbladder. Magnification: x400 when printed 10 centimetres wide.

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Size: 2900px × 2174px
Photo credit: © STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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