RAD 379U - CH 10 Terms

Biliary System

Adenomyomatosis

small polypoid projections from the gallbladder wall

Ampulla of Vater

small opening in the duodenum in which the pancreatic and common bile duct enter to release secretions

Bilirubin

yellow pigment in bile formed by the breakdown of red blood cells

Cholangitis

Inflammation of the bile duct

Cholecystectomy

Removal of the gallbladder

cholecystokinin

hormone secreted into the blood by the mucosa of the upper small intestine;

stimulates contraction of the gallbladder and pancreatic secretion of enzymes

Choledochal cyst

Cystic growth of the common duct that may cause obstruction

choledocholithiasis

stones in the bile duct

Cholelithiasis

gallstones in the gallbladder

Cholesterolosis

variant of adenomyomatosis; cholesterol polyps; also called cholesterosis

common bile duct

extends from the point where the common hepatic duct meets the cystic duct;

drains into the duodenum after it joins with the main pancreatic duct

Common duct

Refers to common bile or hepatic ducts when the cystic duct is not seen

Common hepatic duct

bile duct system that drains the liver into the common bile duct

Cystic duct

Connects the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct

gallbladder (GB)

storage pouch for bile

Hartmann’s pouch

small part of the gallbladder that lies near the cystic duct where stones may collect

Heister’s valves

Tiny valves found within the cystic duct

Hydrops

Massive enlargement of the gallbladder

Jaundice

excessive bilirubin accumulation that causes yellow pigmentation of the skin; first seen in the whites of the eyes

Junction fold

small septum within the gallbladder, usually arising from the posterior

Klatskin’s tumor

cancer at the bifurcation of the hepatic ducts; may cause asymmetric obstruction of the biliary tree

Murphy’s sign

positive sign implies exquisite tenderness over the area of the gallbladder upon palpation

Pancreatic duct

travels horizontally through the pancreas to join the common bile duct at the ampulla of Vater

Phrygian cap

Gallbladder variant in which part of the fundus is bent back on itself

Polyps of the gallbladder

small, well-defined soft tissue projection from the gallbladder wall

Porcelain gallbladder

calcification of the gallbladder wall

Porta hepatis

central area of the liver where the portal vein, common duct, and hepatic artery enter

Sludge

low-level echoes found along the posterior margin of the gallbladder; move with change in position

Sphincter of Oddi

Small muscle that guards the ampulla of Vater

wall echo shadow (WES) sign

sonographic pattern found when the gallbladder is packed with stones