The bile duct (ductus choledochus) is part of the human biliary system and performs the important function of transporting bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestines. This duct is the largest and most important duct in the biliary system and is about 8-12 cm long.
The duct begins as small ducts that emerge from the hepatic bile ducts and join into a single duct that descends down toward the gallbladder. The bile then accumulates in the gallbladder, where it is stored until needed to digest food.
When food enters the intestines, the gallbladder contracts and bile is pushed out of it into the bile duct. The bile then passes through the duct and enters the intestines, where it participates in the process of fat digestion.
The bile duct can be affected by various diseases such as gallstones, tumors and strictures. Symptoms of these diseases may include yellowing of the skin and sclera, pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea and vomiting. Treatment may include medication, surgery, or a combination of both.
In conclusion, the bile duct is an important part of the human biliary system and has an important function in fat digestion. It can be affected by various diseases, but modern medicine provides a wide range of methods to treat them. If you have symptoms related to the bile duct, see your doctor for advice and treatment.