Which artery supplies the gallbladder?

The gallbladder receives its blood supply primarily from the cystic artery, which is a branch of the right hepatic artery. This specialized artery specifically provides the necessary oxygenated blood to the gallbladder, accommodating its unique functional and metabolic needs.

Understanding the anatomy is crucial; the gallbladder is situated beneath the liver, and its vascular supply plays an essential role in maintaining its health and function. The cystic artery is vital for delivering the blood needed for processes such as bile concentration and storage, and it branches off in a way that specifically targets the gallbladder's requirements.

While the common hepatic artery, gastroduodenal artery, and inferior thyroid artery do supply other critical organs within the body, they do not have a direct role in vascularizing the gallbladder. The common hepatic artery supplies the liver and part of the stomach, the gastroduodenal artery branches to the stomach and duodenum, and the inferior thyroid artery primarily nourishes structures in the neck, including the thyroid gland. Thus, the direct connection between the cystic artery and the gallbladder underscores why it is the correct choice for this question.