Fundus of the Gallbladder Flashcards

Identify the gallbladder fundus, its surface landmarks, peritoneal covering, visceral relations, blood supply, and clinical significance.

Card 1 of 24Question

What is the fundus of the gallbladder?

The rounded, blind-ended distal portion of the gallbladder.

In This Section

1. What is the fundus of the gallbladder?

The rounded, blind-ended distal portion of the gallbladder.

2. Which part of the gallbladder is continuous with the fundus?

The body of the gallbladder.

3. What is the position of the gallbladder fundus relative to the liver?

It usually projects beyond the inferior border of the liver.

4. Where is the gallbladder fundus typically projected on the anterior abdominal wall?

Near the tip of the right ninth costal cartilage.

5. Which abdominal muscle provides a surface landmark for the gallbladder fundus?

The right rectus abdominis, near its lateral border.

6. Which anatomical plane passes near the usual surface projection of the gallbladder fundus?

The transpyloric plane, approximately at the L1 vertebral level.

7. What is the usual direction of the gallbladder fundus?

Anteriorly, inferiorly, and toward the right.

8. What is the typical peritoneal covering of the gallbladder fundus?

It is usually covered almost completely by visceral peritoneum.

9. Which part of the large intestine may lie adjacent to the gallbladder fundus?

The transverse colon, particularly near the right colic flexure.

10. Which abdominal wall structure may lie directly anterior to the gallbladder fundus?

The anterior abdominal wall beneath the right costal margin.

11. What is the primary functional role of the gallbladder fundus?

It contributes to the storage and accommodation of bile.

12. What type of epithelium lines the gallbladder fundus?

Simple columnar epithelium with apical microvilli.

13. How does the fundal mucosa contribute to bile concentration?

Its epithelial cells absorb water and electrolytes from stored bile.

14. How are smooth muscle fibers arranged within the gallbladder fundus?

In irregularly oriented, interlacing bundles.

15. Which artery provides the principal blood supply to the gallbladder fundus?

The cystic artery, usually through its superficial branch.

16. Where does venous blood from the gallbladder fundus primarily drain?

Through cystic venous tributaries into the portal venous system.

17. Which lymph node commonly receives lymph from the gallbladder fundus?

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

18. Which autonomic plexus contributes to innervation of the gallbladder fundus?

The hepatic plexus.

19. Why may an enlarged gallbladder fundus become palpable during abdominal examination?

Distension may cause it to project below the right costal margin.

20. What is the relationship between the gallbladder fundus and Murphy's sign?

The fundal region lies near the usual palpation site where inspiration may provoke pain in acute cholecystitis.

21. Why is the gallbladder fundus commonly used as a starting point during fundus-first cholecystectomy?

Dissection can begin away from the potentially hazardous ductal and vascular structures near the gallbladder neck.

22. What is a Phrygian cap gallbladder?

A congenital anatomical variant in which the gallbladder fundus folds back over the body.

23. What is the clinical significance of a Phrygian cap?

It is usually asymptomatic but may resemble a septum or abnormality on imaging.

24. Why can the gallbladder fundus be involved in cholecystoenteric fistula formation?

Its proximity to adjacent bowel permits fistula formation following chronic inflammation and adhesion.