What is the main function of the bile duct?
Bile duct: This is a small, hollow tube that functions to transport bile. The biliary system is comprised of a system of these ducts, which flow from the liver to the gallbladder for storage and then into the small intestine (duodenum).
What are the two main functions of bile in digestion?
There are two fundamentally important functions of bile in all species: Bile contains bile acids, which are critical for digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
What is the function of the bile and where does it enter the digestive tract?
Bile, also called gall, greenish yellow secretion that is produced in the liver and passed to the gallbladder for concentration, storage, or transport into the first region of the small intestine, the duodenum. Its function is to aid in the digestion of fats in the duodenum.
How does the bile duct work?
The bile ducts carry bile from the liver and gallbladder through the pancreas to the duodenum, which is a part of the small intestine. Bile is a dark-green or yellowish-brown fluid secreted by the liver to digest fats. After you eat, the gallbladder releases bile to help in digestion and fat absorption.
What is the most common cause of biliary obstruction?
Gallstones are the most prevalent cause of biliary obstruction; they commonly manifest by dilatating the common bile duct and jaundice.
How can biliary obstruction be prevented?
While most causes of biliary obstruction are usually unpreventable, experts believe that making a few changes in your diet and weight can make you less susceptible to developing this condition. Add more fiber to your diet, and lower your intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugar, to prevent gallstones.
What does an enlarged bile duct indicate?
HG Dilated bile ducts are usually caused by an obstruction of the biliary tree, which can be due to stones, tumors (usually of either the papilla of Vater or the pancreas), benign strictures (due to chronic pancreatitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis), benign stenosis of the papilla (ie, papillary stenosis), or a …