Diagnostic Ultrasound - Abdomen and Pelvis

Biliary System
Anatomy: Abdomen
GALLBLADDER IN SITU
Right hepatic lobe
Peritoneal reflection
Gallbladder (body)
Left hepatic lobe
Extrahepatic bile duct
Proper hepatic artery
Main portal vein
Gallbladder (fundus)
Lesser omentum (cut edge,
anterior)
Colon (hepatic flexure)
Duodenum
Pancreas
Cystic duct
Common hepatic duct
Neck
Body
Fundus
Common bile duct
Pancreatic duct
Superior mesenteric artery
Ampulla
Superior mesenteric vein
(Top) Graphic shows that the gallbladder is covered with peritoneum, except where it is attached to the liver. The extrahepatic bile
duct, hepatic artery, and portal vein run in the lesser omentum. The fundus of the gallbladder extends beyond the anterior-inferior edge
of the liver and can be in contact with the hepatic flexure of the colon. The body (main portion of the gallbladder) is in contact with the
duodenum. (Bottom) The neck of the gallbladder narrows before entering the cystic duct, which is distinguished by its tortuous course
and irregular lumen. The duct lumen is irregular due to redundant folds of mucosa, called the spiral folds of Heister, that are believed to
regulate the rate of filling and emptying of the gallbladder. The cystic duct joins the hepatic duct to form the common bile duct, which
passes behind the duodenum and through the pancreas to enter the duodenum.
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