Left hepatic duct

Left Hepatic Duct

The Left Hepatic Duct is a significant component of the biliary system, which is responsible for the production, storage, and transportation of bile. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.

Anatomy

The Left Hepatic Duct is one of the two main ducts that transport bile from the liver. It drains the bile produced in the left functional lobe of the liver, which includes the medial and lateral segments. The other main duct, the Right Hepatic Duct, drains bile from the right functional lobe of the liver.

The Left Hepatic Duct and the Right Hepatic Duct merge to form the Common Hepatic Duct, which then joins with the Cystic Duct from the gallbladder to form the Common Bile Duct. The Common Bile Duct then carries the bile to the small intestine.

Clinical Significance

The Left Hepatic Duct, like other parts of the biliary system, can be affected by various medical conditions. These include gallstones, cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct), and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

Gallstones can block the bile ducts, causing bile to build up in the liver. This can lead to jaundice, pain, and potentially serious liver damage. Cholangitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur if the bile duct is blocked. Cholangiocarcinoma is a relatively rare type of cancer that can cause similar symptoms to gallstones and cholangitis.

Treatment for these conditions can involve medication, endoscopic procedures, or surgery, depending on the severity and nature of the condition.

See Also

• Biliary system
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Common Bile Duct
• Gallstones
• Cholangitis
• Cholangiocarcinoma

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