Biliary system

Alternative Names

Biliary tract; Bile tract

Information

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.

The biliary system includes:

  • The gallbladder
  • Bile ducts and certain cells inside the liver
  • Bile ducts outside the liver

Images

Digestive system

References

Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 155.

Jackson PG, Evans SRT. Biliary system. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 54.

Review Date: 
8/22/2016
Reviewed By: 
Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.