Lecture: Biliary Tree and Gallstones

Describe the anatomy of the biliary tract
Describe the composition and formation of bile including the enterohepatic circulation
Outline the regulation of gallbladder contraction
Discuss the emulsification of lipids by bile
Outline the causes of obstructive jaundice including gallstones and their effects on liver function tests

Part 1: Anatomy & Physiology

Why you should be interested
Anatomy of the billary tree - from the smallest to largest?
Describe the path of the common bile duct?
Describe the structure and specilaised function of the gallbladder?
Where is the gallbladder located?
What is Bile composed of?
Billirubin - the bare facts
Gilberts syndrome - what is it and when does its symptoms appear
What are Bile salts and what is their role?
How is bile released from the gallbladder?
What happens to bile after its released?
What happens if the bile DOES reach the colon and what may be some casues of this?