BILIARY DUCT Meaning and
Definition
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A biliary duct, often referred to as the bile duct, is a tubular structure that plays a crucial role in the gastrointestinal system of mammals, including humans. Specifically, it is responsible for transporting bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine.
The biliary duct is composed of a network of connected tubes, starting from the liver and ending at the small intestine. It begins with tiny ductules within the liver, known as intrahepatic bile ducts. These merge to form larger ducts, called left and right hepatic ducts, which combine to create the common hepatic duct. The common hepatic duct then joins with the cystic duct from the gallbladder to form the common bile duct. Finally, the common bile duct connects to the pancreatic duct before entering the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
Bile, a yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver, contains important substances such as bile salts and cholesterol that aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The biliary duct acts as a conduit, delivering the bile to the small intestine to facilitate the breakdown of dietary fats.
Any obstruction, inflammation, or damage to the biliary duct can lead to complications such as jaundice, gallstones, or cholangitis, which can result in symptoms like abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and digestive issues. Treatments for such conditions may involve surgery, endoscopic procedures, or medication, depending on the severity and cause of the problem.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BILIARY DUCT
- viliary duct
- niliary duct
- hiliary duct
- giliary duct
- buliary duct
- bjliary duct
- bkliary duct
- boliary duct
- b9liary duct
- b8liary duct
- bikiary duct
- bipiary duct
- bioiary duct
- biluary duct
- biljary duct
- bilkary duct
- biloary duct
- bil9ary duct
- bil8ary duct
- bilizry duct
Etymology of BILIARY DUCT
The term "biliary duct" has an etymology rooted in Latin and English.
The word "biliary" comes from the Latin word "bilis", meaning "bile", which refers to the digestive fluid produced by the liver. The Latin suffix "-ary" indicates something related to or associated with. Therefore, "biliary" signifies something related to or associated with bile.
The term "duct" is of Latin origin as well. It comes from the Latin word "ductus", meaning "a leading, conducting, or drawing off". As a noun, "duct" refers to a tube or passage that allows substances to flow or be carried, typically referring to bodily organs or systems.
Thus, the combined term "biliary duct" describes a tube or passage within the body through which bile is conducted or transported, typically referring to the ducts that carry bile out of the liver and into the small intestine.
