DUCTUS CHOLEDOCHUS Meaning and
Definition
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The "ductus choledochus," also referred to as the common bile duct, is a crucial anatomical structure in the digestive system of humans and many other vertebrates. It serves as the main channel for the transportation of bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. This duct connects the gallbladder to the duodenum, the initial segment of the small intestine, facilitating the release of bile into the digestive tract to aid in the breakdown and digestion of fats.
The ductus choledochus is formed by the union of two smaller ducts, the cystic duct, which carries bile from the gallbladder, and the hepatic duct, which carries bile from the liver. Its structure consists of a tubular passageway lined with mucous membranes and surrounded by smooth muscle. The diameter of the duct may vary slightly among individuals but generally measures around 6 to 8 millimeters.
Any obstruction or blockage in the ductus choledochus can lead to significant health complications, such as bile duct stones, infections, or jaundice. Medical conditions affecting this duct include choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, and biliary strictures. In certain cases, a surgical procedure known as a choledochostomy may be performed to create an alternative route for bile to flow if the normal duct pathway is damaged or inaccessible.
Overall, the ductus choledochus plays a fundamental role in the digestive process by ensuring the controlled passage of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, contributing to the efficient digestion and absorption of dietary fats.
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Common bile-duct, formed by the union of the hepatic and cystic ducts; it passes from the mouth of the portal fissure (porta hepatis) to the duodenum into which it discharges through a common orifice with the pancreatic duct.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DUCTUS CHOLEDOCHUS
- ductuschoeledochus
- ductuscholdochus
- ductuscwholedochus
- ductuscholeadochus
- d uctus choledochus
- du ctus choledochus
- duc tus choledochus
- duct us choledochus
- ductu s choledochus
- ductus c holedochus
- ductus ch oledochus
- ductus cho ledochus
- ductus chol edochus
- ductus chole dochus
- ductus choled ochus
- ductus choledo chus
- ductus choledoc hus
- ductus choledoch us
- ductus choledochu s
Etymology of DUCTUS CHOLEDOCHUS
The word "ductus choledochus" comes from Latin. Here is the breakdown:
- "ductus": This is the Latin word for "duct" or "passage", which ultimately comes from the Latin verb "ducere" meaning "to lead" or "to guide".
- "choledochus": This term is derived from the Greek words "chole" (meaning "bile") and "dochḗ" (meaning "duct" or "channel").
Therefore, "ductus choledochus" refers to the bile duct, specifically the common bile duct that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
