What is the extrahepatic biliary apparatus and what does it do?

The extrahepatic biliary apparatus is a system of ducts and the gallbladder that transports bile from the liver to the duodenum. It stores and concentrates bile in the gallbladder, releasing it during digestion to aid in fat breakdown.

What are the main components of the extrahepatic biliary apparatus?

It consists of the right and left hepatic ducts, common hepatic duct, gallbladder, cystic duct, and bile duct (common bile duct).

How is the bile duct formed and what are its parts?

The bile duct forms from the union of the cystic duct and common hepatic duct. It is divided into four parts: supraduodenal, retroduodenal, infraduodenal, and intraduodenal, ending at the ampulla of Vater in the duodenum.

What is the clinical significance of the cystohepatic triangle of Calot?

The cystohepatic triangle of Calot is a key surgical landmark for procedures like cholecystectomy. It contains the cystic artery and right hepatic artery, and anatomical variants here can lead to complications during surgery.

What are common clinical conditions associated with the extrahepatic biliary apparatus?

Common conditions include cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), cholelithiasis (gallstone formation), and obstructive jaundice from bile duct blockage. These often present with symptoms like pain in the right upper quadrant.

What is the role of the gallbladder in the biliary system?

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. It releases bile through the cystic duct into the bile duct when needed for digestion, particularly to emulsify fats in the duodenum.

How does the extrahepatic biliary apparatus relate to imaging and diagnosis?

It is crucial for imaging-based diagnosis, with techniques like USG and ERCP used to visualize the ducts and gallbladder. This helps detect conditions such as gallstones or obstructions that affect bile flow.

Gallbladder & Bile Ducts – Calot’s Triangle Explained

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