GLOSSARY

The cystic duct is a short duct about 2–4 centimetres long that connects the neck of the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct, providing a two-way route for bile: into the gallbladder for storage and out of it when the gallbladder contracts.

Characteristics

• Spiral valve of Heister: spiral mucosal folds that keep the duct open and regulate flow (not a true valve).
• Anatomical variation: the site and angle at which it joins the hepatic duct are highly variable (parallel, spiral, or a low insertion), which matters in surgery.

The Path of Bile Between Meals

In the fasting state the sphincter of Oddi is closed, so hepatic bile flows back through the cystic duct into the gallbladder and is stored.

Clinical Application