Biliary system

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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
Bile produced in the liver

References

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

Wyatt JI, Haugk B. Liver, biliary system and pancreas. In: Cross SS, ed. Underwood's Pathology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 16.

Review Date: 
8/13/2020
Reviewed By: 
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.