Hepatobiliary

Hepatobiliary refers to the liver, gall bladder and bile ducts, and how they work together to make bile. Bile is a fluid that helps in digestion, particularly in the digestion of fats. The hepatobiliary system has a crucial role in overall health, as it is involved in nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and metabolism.

Anatomy

The Liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. It is responsible for over 500 different functions, including the production of bile, the metabolism of nutrients, and the elimination of toxins.

The Gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver.

The Bile Ducts are a series of thin tubes that go from the liver to the small intestine. The main function of the bile ducts is to transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.

Functions

The hepatobiliary system has several important functions:

• Bile Production and Excretion: The liver produces bile, a fluid that aids in the digestion of fats. After production, bile is transported through the bile ducts and stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion.

• Metabolism: The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It converts nutrients from the diet into substances that the body can use.

• Detoxification: The liver helps to detoxify harmful substances in the body, including drugs and alcohol.

• Storage: The liver stores vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and copper.

Diseases

There are several diseases that can affect the hepatobiliary system, including:

• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection.

• Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can block the bile ducts.

• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to long-term damage.

• Liver Cancer: A malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the liver.

• Cholangiocarcinoma: A rare form of cancer that develops in the cells that line the bile ducts.

Treatment

Treatment for hepatobiliary diseases depends on the specific disease and its severity. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, surgery, or in severe cases, liver transplantation.

See Also

• Digestive System
• Liver Function Tests
• Hepatobiliary Scan

Hepatobiliary Resources
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