Biliary system
Biliary tract; Bile tractInformation
The biliary system creates, moves, stores, and releases bile into the duodenum. This helps the body digest food. It also assists in transporting waste products from the liver to the duodenum.
Bile
Bile is a fluid that is made and released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps with digestion. It breaks down fats into fatty acid...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleDuodenum
The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It is located between the stomach and the middle part of the small intestine, or jejunum. Aft...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe biliary system includes:
- The gallbladder
- Bile ducts and certain cells inside the liver
- Bile ducts outside the liver
References
Hall JE, Hall ME. Secretory functions of the alimentary tract. In: Hall JE, Hall ME ed. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 65.
Radkani P, Hawksworth J, Fishbein T. Biliary system. In: Townsend CM, R. Beauchamp D, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Elsevier;2022:chap 55.
Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
Bile produced in the liver - illustration
The biliary organs and duct system that creates, transports, stores, and releases bile into the duodenum for digestion includes the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts (named the cystic, hepatic, common, and pancreatic duct).
Bile produced in the liver
illustration
Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
Bile produced in the liver - illustration
The biliary organs and duct system that creates, transports, stores, and releases bile into the duodenum for digestion includes the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts (named the cystic, hepatic, common, and pancreatic duct).
Bile produced in the liver
illustration
Review Date: 7/25/2022
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.