The spelling of "common bile duct" is straightforward when broken down phonetically. "Common" is pronounced /ˈkɒmən/ and "bile" is pronounced /baɪl/. The tricky part may be the pronunciation of "duct," which can be pronounced as either /dʌkt/ or /dʊkt/. The common bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, and it is important for the digestion and absorption of fats. Remembering the spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is crucial for effective communication in the healthcare field.
The common bile duct is a vital anatomical structure in the human body that plays a crucial role in the digestive process. It is a tube-like structure that measures approximately 10 centimeters in length and connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
The primary function of the common bile duct is to transport bile, a yellowish-green fluid that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats, from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Bile is produced by the liver and stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the common bile duct.
The common bile duct is formed by the merging of two smaller ducts: the hepatic duct, which drains bile from the liver, and the cystic duct, which connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct. It passes through the head of the pancreas, where it may merge with the pancreatic duct before reaching the duodenum.
Any obstruction or blockage in the common bile duct can lead to serious medical conditions, such as jaundice, gallstones, or pancreatitis, which can result in significant pain, inflammation, and impaired digestion. Therefore, any abnormality in the common bile duct must be closely monitored and managed by medical professionals to ensure proper digestive function and overall well-being.
Ductus choledochus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.