8 Biliary Diseases
Anatomy of the Extrahepatic Biliary System
• Anatomy of the biliary system is highly variable, and this includes ducts, arteries, veins, and lymphatics.
Gallbladder
• Normally lies between hepatic segments IV and V, in a ventral fossa between the anatomical right and left lobes
• Parasympathetic preganglionic innervation from left (anterior) vagus fibers contracts gallbladder and relaxes bile duct sphincter.
Cystic Duct
• Typical cystic duct joins the common hepatic duct well below the right and left hepatic duct junction.