The human body is a complex system of organs and tissues that work together to keep us alive and healthy. One of the most important organs in the body is the liver, which is responsible for producing bile. The bile duct is a vital component of the liver’s functioning, and it plays a crucial role in the digestive process.
Definitions
A bile duct is a tube-like structure that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. It is a part of the digestive system and is responsible for transporting bile, which is a fluid that helps in the digestion of fats.
Origin
The bile duct has its origins in the liver and gallbladder. It is formed by the union of the hepatic duct, which carries bile out of the liver, and the cystic duct, which carries bile out of the gallbladder. The bile duct then continues to the small intestine, where it empties its contents.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, a bile duct is “a duct that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a tube or duct that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.”
Associations
The bile duct is associated with the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. It is also associated with the digestive process and the breakdown of fats.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bile duct include biliary duct, hepatic duct, cystic duct, and common bile duct.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bile duct, but some related terms include pancreatic duct and esophageal duct.
The same root words
The root words of bile duct are bile and duct. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats, while a duct is a tube or channel that carries fluids.
Example Sentences
- The bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
- A blockage in the bile duct can cause jaundice and other digestive problems.
- The surgeon carefully removed the gallbladder and reconnected the bile duct to the small intestine.