Spiral valves of Heister

Spiral valves of Heister

File:Spiral valves of Heister.jpg

An illustration of the Spiral valves of Heister

The Spiral valves of Heister, also known as Heister's valves, are a series of semi-lunar folds located in the cystic duct, which is a part of the biliary system. These valves are named after the German anatomist Lorenz Heister, who first described them in the 18th century.

Anatomy

The Spiral valves of Heister are located within the cystic duct, which connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct. These valves are semi-lunar in shape and are arranged in a spiral manner, hence their name. They serve to prevent the collapse of the cystic duct and regulate the flow of bile from the gallbladder.

Function

The primary function of the Spiral valves of Heister is to maintain the patency of the cystic duct, preventing its collapse. This is particularly important as the cystic duct is a conduit for bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, to reach the gallbladder where it is stored. The valves also regulate the flow of bile, ensuring that it is released in a controlled manner into the duodenum during digestion.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or malfunctions of the Spiral valves of Heister can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For instance, if the valves become obstructed, it can result in cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder. Similarly, the presence of gallstones can also disrupt the function of these valves, leading to bile duct obstruction and subsequent complications.

See also

• Biliary system
• Gallbladder
• Cystic duct
• Lorenz Heister