Common hepatic duct
(Redirected from Ductus hepaticus)
Common Hepatic Duct is a crucial structure in the human anatomy, particularly within the digestive system. It plays a significant role in the bile drainage mechanism, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats. The common hepatic duct forms at the confluence of the left hepatic duct and the right hepatic duct, which drain bile from the left and right lobes of the liver, respectively. This duct then joins with the cystic duct coming from the gallbladder to form the common bile duct, which continues to the duodenum of the small intestine.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The common hepatic duct is typically 4 to 6 cm long and has a diameter of about 4 mm, although this can vary significantly among individuals. It is located in the upper part of the abdomen, within the lesser omentum, and descends to meet the cystic duct at the hepatoduodenal ligament. The anatomical position of the common hepatic duct makes it a vital structure in surgeries involving the biliary tract, such as cholecystectomy or liver transplantation.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the common hepatic duct is to transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum. Bile is a critical digestive fluid that helps in the emulsification and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). The flow of bile is regulated by various sphincters and hormonal signals, ensuring that it is released into the duodenum when needed, such as after a fatty meal.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Several conditions can affect the common hepatic duct, leading to impaired bile flow, a condition known as cholestasis. These include:
- Gallstones: Stones formed from bile components can block the common hepatic duct, causing jaundice, pain, and potentially leading to cholecystitis or biliary colic. - Cholangiocarcinoma: A type of cancer that can occur in the bile ducts, leading to obstruction. - Primary sclerosing cholangitis: A chronic liver disease that leads to scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts. - Biliary atresia: A congenital condition where the bile ducts are abnormally narrow, blocked, or absent.
Diagnosis of common hepatic duct issues often involves imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause but may include surgery, endoscopic procedures, or medication.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD