Cystic Duct Flashcards

Explore cystic duct anatomy, including its course, spiral folds, biliary connections, vascular relations, variations, and surgical landmarks.

Card 1 of 28Question

What is the cystic duct?

A short bile duct that connects the neck of the gallbladder to the extrahepatic biliary system.

In This Section

1. What is the cystic duct?

A short bile duct that connects the neck of the gallbladder to the extrahepatic biliary system.

2. From which part of the gallbladder does the cystic duct arise?

The neck of the gallbladder.

3. Which duct normally joins the cystic duct to form the common bile duct?

The common hepatic duct.

4. What is the approximate length of the cystic duct in adults?

Approximately 2 to 4 cm, although its length varies considerably.

5. What is the usual direction of the cystic duct from the gallbladder neck?

It courses inferiorly and medially toward the common hepatic duct.

6. Which ligament contains the cystic duct near its junction with the common hepatic duct?

The hepatoduodenal ligament.

7. In which directions can bile flow through the cystic duct?

In both directions, allowing gallbladder filling and emptying.

8. What are the spiral folds of Heister?

A series of spiral mucosal folds within the cystic duct.

9. What is another name for the spiral folds of Heister?

The spiral valves of Heister.

10. Are the spiral valves of Heister true muscular valves?

No. They are mucosal folds rather than actively closing muscular valves.

11. What is the proposed mechanical function of the spiral folds in the cystic duct?

They may help maintain ductal patency during bending or changes in gallbladder volume.

12. What type of epithelium lines the cystic duct?

Simple columnar epithelium, continuous with the biliary epithelium of the gallbladder and bile ducts.

13. Which type of muscle is present in the cystic duct wall?

Smooth muscle arranged in irregular bundles.

14. What are the three boundaries of the hepatocystic triangle?

The cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and inferior surface of the liver.

15. Which boundary of the hepatocystic triangle is formed by the cystic duct?

The inferior boundary.

16. Which artery is commonly found within the hepatocystic triangle?

The cystic artery.

17. Which lymph node is commonly located near the cystic duct and cystic artery?

The cystic lymph node, also called the node of Lund.

18. Which arteries contribute to the blood supply of the cystic duct?

Branches of the cystic and right hepatic arteries, with variable contributions from nearby vessels.

19. Where does venous blood from the cystic duct primarily drain?

Into the portal venous system through small veins accompanying the biliary ducts.

20. What is a low insertion of the cystic duct?

A variation in which the cystic duct joins the common hepatic duct farther inferiorly than usual.

21. What is a parallel cystic duct?

A variant in which the cystic duct runs alongside the common hepatic duct for an extended distance before joining it.

22. What is a medial insertion of the cystic duct?

A variant in which the cystic duct joins the medial aspect of the common hepatic duct, sometimes after passing posterior to it.

23. What is an accessory hepatic duct in relation to the cystic duct?

An additional bile duct that may drain a portion of the liver into the cystic duct or another extrahepatic duct.

24. What is the clinical significance of a short cystic duct?

It can increase the risk of accidental injury to the common bile duct during cholecystectomy.

25. What is the critical view of safety during cholecystectomy?

A surgical identification method confirming that only two structures enter the gallbladder before division.

26. What is Mirizzi syndrome?

Compression of the common hepatic duct by a stone impacted in the gallbladder neck or cystic duct.

27. What is a cystic duct remnant?

The portion of the cystic duct remaining after surgical removal of the gallbladder.

28. Why is identifying the cystic duct junction important during biliary surgery?

It helps distinguish the cystic duct from the common hepatic and common bile ducts, reducing the risk of injury.