Cystic duct

Definition

The cystic duct is a small tube that connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct, allowing bile to flow from the gallbladder into the common bile duct and then into the small intestine for digestion. It plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats by controlling the release of stored bile.

Related terms

Gallbladder:

A small organ located beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver before releasing it into the small intestine.

Bile:

A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps break down fats into fatty acids, which can be taken into the body by the digestive tract.

Common bile duct: A large duct that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) for digestion