What is the bile duct?
The bile duct is called the common bile duct. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a short tube that carries bile to the duodenum.
What it is
- A short tube that carries bile to the duodenum.
- Formed by the union of the hepatic duct (from the liver) and the cystic duct (from the gallbladder).
- Joins the pancreatic duct just before entering the duodenum.
Where it is
- In the upper right of the abdomen.
- Runs behind the first part of the duodenum and through the head of the pancreas.
- Opens into the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla.
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Last verified: 2026-07-18
- Best Anatomy Answers is an educational reference about human anatomy. It is not medical advice — for any health concern, talk to a licensed medical professional.