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Gastrointestinal · Anatomy
Liver & Biliary Tree
The liver makes bile; the gallbladder stores it; ducts deliver it to the duodenum.
The structures
- Liver lobes — Metabolism, clotting factors, drug clearance, bile production
- Portal vein — Nutrient-rich blood from the gut — first pass
- Hepatic ducts — Bile out of the liver
- Gallbladder — Stores and concentrates bile; contracts after fatty meals
- Cystic duct — Gallbladder's driveway — stones stick here
- Common bile duct — Final path to the duodenum; blockage = jaundice + pale stool
- Sphincter of Oddi — Gatekeeper at the duodenum
Why it matters on shift
- Liver failure = bleeding risk: clotting factors are made here — check INR before that procedure
- RUQ pain after fatty food radiating to the right shoulder = classic biliary colic
- Most drug dosing assumes a working liver — cirrhosis changes everything from acetaminophen limits to sedation
Source: Anatomical structures per OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology, 2nd ed. (openstax.org, CC BY 4.0). Educational reference — verify clinical application against your facility's policy.Reference only — verify against your facility's policy.
