Phrygian cap (anatomy)

Phrygian Cap (Anatomy)

An ultrasound image of a gallbladder with a Phrygian cap.

The Phrygian cap is an anatomical variant of the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile produced by the liver. The term "Phrygian cap" is derived from the shape of the gallbladder, which resembles a type of hat known as a Phrygian cap that was worn in ancient times in the region of Phrygia, now part of modern-day Turkey.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The Phrygian cap is the most common anatomical variation of the gallbladder. It is characterized by a fold located at the fundus of the gallbladder, the part of the organ furthest from the bile duct. This fold does not affect the function of the gallbladder and is usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Although the Phrygian cap is a benign anatomical variant, it can sometimes be mistaken for a gallbladder polyp or other pathological condition during imaging studies. However, it does not increase the risk of gallbladder disease or require any specific treatment.