Cystic duct
Encyclopedia
The cystic duct is the short duct
that joins the gall bladder to the common bile duct
. It usually lies next to the cystic artery
. It is of variable length. It contains a 'spiral valve'
, which does not provide much resistance to the flow of bile.
In this way, bile is stored in the gallbladder in between meal times. The hormone cholecystokinin
, when stimulated by a fatty meal, promotes bile secretion by increased production of hepatic bile, contraction of the gall bladder, and relaxation of the Sphincter of Oddi
.
During a cholecystectomy
, the cystic duct is clipped two or three times and a cut is made between the clips, freeing the gallbladder to be taken out.
Duct (anatomy)
In anatomy and physiology, a duct is a circumscribed channel leading from an exocrine gland or organ.-Types of ducts:Examples include:-Duct system:...
that joins the gall bladder to the common bile duct
Common bile duct
The common bile duct is a tube-like anatomic structure in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is formed by the union of the common hepatic duct and the cystic duct . It is later joined by the pancreatic duct to form the ampulla of Vater...
. It usually lies next to the cystic artery
Cystic artery
-Most common arrangement:In the classic arrangement, occurring with a frequency of approximately 70%, a singular cystic artery originates from the geniculate flexure of the right hepatic artery in the upper portion of the hepatobiliary triangle...
. It is of variable length. It contains a 'spiral valve'
Spiral valves of Heister
Spiral valves of Heister are undulating folds or valves in the proximal mucosa of the cystic duct. The cystic duct attaches the gallbladder to the common bile duct....
, which does not provide much resistance to the flow of bile.
Function
Bile can flow in both directions between the gallbladder and the common hepatic duct and the (common) bile duct.In this way, bile is stored in the gallbladder in between meal times. The hormone cholecystokinin
Cholecystokinin
Cholecystokinin is a peptide hormone of the gastrointestinal system responsible for stimulating the digestion of fat and protein...
, when stimulated by a fatty meal, promotes bile secretion by increased production of hepatic bile, contraction of the gall bladder, and relaxation of the Sphincter of Oddi
Sphincter of Oddi
The sphincter of ampulla or sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices through the ampulla of Vater into the second part of the duodenum. It is named after Ruggero Oddi...
.
Clinical significance
Gallstones can enter and obstruct the cystic duct, preventing the flow of bile. The increased pressure in the gallbladder leads to swelling and pain. This pain is sometimes referred to as a gallbladder "attack" because of its sudden onset.During a cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is the most common method for treating symptomatic gallstones. Surgical options include the standard procedure, called laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and an older more invasive procedure, called open cholecystectomy.-Open surgery:A...
, the cystic duct is clipped two or three times and a cut is made between the clips, freeing the gallbladder to be taken out.