Oddi's sphincter

Oddi's Sphincter is a muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices (bile and pancreatic juice) from the liver and pancreas into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is named after Ruggero Oddi, an Italian anatomist who first described it in 1887.

Anatomy

The sphincter of Oddi is located in the second part of the duodenum, where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct enter the duodenum. It is a complex structure composed of smooth muscle fibers that form a triple-layered sphincter surrounding both ducts.

Function

The primary function of the sphincter of Oddi is to regulate the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum, and to prevent the reflux of duodenal contents into the ducts. The sphincter's activity is coordinated with the function of the gallbladder and the peristalsis of the duodenum.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi can lead to several conditions, including biliary colic, pancreatitis, and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). SOD is a condition characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and is often associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis.

Treatment

Treatment for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction can include medication, endoscopic therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. The most common surgical procedure is sphincterotomy, which involves cutting the muscle of the sphincter to relieve obstruction.

See also

• Biliary system
• Pancreatic diseases
• Digestive system