Abdomen Sonography: Gall Bladder & Biliary - Video Lesson

Hey everyone, welcome to today's lesson on structure and function of the biliary system. In this lesson, we will discuss the anatomy and function of the gallbladder, bile ducts, adjacent structures, and potential gallbladder variants. We will also identify the normal ultrasound appearance of this system. Let's get started. The biliary system is comprised of the gallbladder and bile ducts, both of which coordinate their functions with the liver and pancreas in order to aid in digestion. The gallbladder acts as a storage container for bile after it has been made by the liver. The bile stored here will then be concentrated during a fasting state prior to its release. When food is eventually consumed and reaches the duodenum, a hormone made in the duodenum called cholecystokinin or CCK is activated and alerts the gallbladder to release bile into this ductal system towards the duodenum where it then mixes with pancreatic juices.