Pronunciation: [ɡˈɔːl dˈʌkt] (IPA) 
The term "gall duct" refers to the bodily tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. When pronounced correctly, the "a" sound in "gall" sounds like the "a" in "cat" and the "ll" is pronounced like a long "L" sound. The word "duct" is pronounced as "dukt" with a short "u" sound and the "ct" combination pronounced together as a hard "k" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "gall duct" is /ɡɔl dʌkt/.
The gall duct, also known as the bile duct, is a vital part of the digestive system in both humans and animals. It is a slender tube-like structure that carries bile, a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver, from the liver to the small intestine. The gall duct plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats.
The gall duct begins in the liver, where it collects the bile produced by hepatocytes and channels it towards the gallbladder for storage. The bile is then released into the gall duct when needed, such as after consuming a fatty meal, to aid in the digestion and emulsification of dietary fats. The gall duct acts as a conduit for the bile, transporting it through the common bile duct and eventually emptying it into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
The gall duct is comprised of smooth muscle fibers and is lined with epithelial cells that allow for the efficient transport of bile. These cells also possess the ability to reabsorb certain substances from the bile, such as water and electrolytes, which helps in maintaining the composition and concentration of bile. Any obstruction or blockage in the gall duct can lead to the accumulation of bile in the liver, causing several health issues, such as gallstones or liver damage.
In summary, the gall duct is a tube-like structure that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine, facilitating the digestion and absorption of fats.
• See ductus biliferi, ductus choledochus, ductus cysticus.
• Bile-duct, one of the tubes conveying bile.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "gall duct" is derived from the combination of two words: "gall" and "duct". Here is the etymology of each term:
1. Gall: The word "gall" comes from the Old English word "gealla" or "gal", which referred to bile or the bitter substance secreted by the liver. This Old English term has Germanic origins, possibly from the Proto-Germanic word "*gallon".
2. Duct: The word "duct" comes from the Latin word "ductus", which means "a leading" or "a conduit". It is derived from the Latin verb "ducere", which means "to lead" or "to guide".
Thus, when combined, "gall duct" refers to a conduit or passage that carries the bitter substance bile, secreted by the liver, to the small intestine for digestion.
