Physiology Of The Biliary Tract Flashcards
What is the role of gut bile?
- Allows absorption of fat
- Allows excretion of cholesterol, bilirubin, iron, and copper
What secretes bile?
Hepatocytes
Where is bile secreted into?
The canalicular space
Is the secretion of bile into the canalicular space an active or passive process?
Occurs by active and passive processes
What constituents of bile are generated by active secretion?
- Conjugated bile acids
- Conjugated bilirubin
- Glutathione
- Conjugates of steroid hormones
- Leukotrienes
What do active processes of bile secretion generate?
Bile flow
What constituents of bile are generated by passive secretion?
Filterable solutes;
- Plasma
- Glucose
- Electrolytes
- Low molecular weight organic acids
- Calcium
What are the products of passive secretion of bile known as?
Secondary solutes
What is passive secretion of bile induced by?
Osmotic pressure
What happens to hepatic bile between meals?
It is diverted into the gallbladder for storage
How is hepatic bile diverted into the gallbladder between meals?
The gallbladder relaxes and the sphincter of Oddi contracts
What is the clinical relevance of hepatic bile being stored in the gallbladder between meals?
In suspected biliary atresia, a fasting ultrasound will fail to demonstrate a gallbladder
What happens to bile during a meal?
It enters the duodenum from the gallbladder
How does bile enter the duodenum during a meal?
The gallbladder contracts and the sphinter of Oddi relaxes
Where are bile acids absorbed from after entering the intestine?
The terminal ileum
