Damaged gallbladder tissue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of epithelial tissue and cells forming the lining of the gallbladder. This tissue is damaged, with some of the cells dying (brown-green) in process called apoptosis. The epithelial layer has also detached, revealing the underlying connective tissue (beige). This degeneration may be caused by a range of conditions, such as cancer (carcinoma) or gallstones. The gallbladder stores bile produced in the liver, and releases it to aid in the digestion of fats. Magnification: x290 when printed at 10 centimetres across.