BILIARY TRACT Meaning and
Definition
-
The biliary tract refers to a series of organs and ducts that play a key role in the production and transportation of bile. Bile is a yellowish-green fluid that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. It is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to assist in the breakdown of dietary fats.
The biliary tract consists of several components, including the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. The liver, the largest organ in the body, produces bile and acts as a detoxification unit for various metabolic waste products. From the liver, bile is transported to the gallbladder, a small sac-like organ located below the liver, where it is stored and concentrated.
When needed, the gallbladder releases bile into the common bile duct, a thin tube that connects the gallbladder to the small intestine. The common bile duct can also receive bile directly from the liver in case the gallbladder has been removed. From the common bile duct, the bile passes through the sphincter of Oddi, a muscular valve, into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
The biliary tract plays a vital role in the overall digestive process, facilitating the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Any obstruction, inflammation, or dysfunction within the biliary tract can lead to various disorders, including gallstones, cholangitis, or biliary duct strictures, affecting the normal flow of bile and resulting in symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and digestive disturbances.
Common Misspellings for BILIARY TRACT
- viliary tract
- niliary tract
- hiliary tract
- giliary tract
- buliary tract
- bjliary tract
- bkliary tract
- boliary tract
- b9liary tract
- b8liary tract
- bikiary tract
- bipiary tract
- bioiary tract
- biluary tract
- biljary tract
- bilkary tract
- biloary tract
- bil9ary tract
- bil8ary tract
- bilizry tract
Etymology of BILIARY TRACT
The word "biliary" originates from the Latin term "bilis", meaning "bile", and the suffix "-ary", which indicates "connected with or pertaining to".
The word "tract" comes from the Latin term "tractus", which means "to draw" or "to pull". In medical terminology, it refers to a system or group of organs and tissues that work together to perform a specific function.
Therefore, the term "biliary tract" refers to the system or pathway of organs (including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and associated structures) involved in the production, storage, and transportation of bile, which aids in the digestion of fats.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
