Sappisuolien

Sappisuolien is a Finnish term that translates to "bile ducts" in English. These are a network of tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it when fatty foods are consumed.

The bile ducts are essential for proper digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. They begin as small channels within the liver, called intrahepatic bile ducts, which merge to form larger extrahepatic bile ducts outside the liver. The main bile duct, also known as the common bile duct, carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Problems with the bile ducts can lead to various health issues. Blockages, often caused by gallstones, can impede bile flow, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pain, and infection. Inflammation of the bile ducts, known as cholangitis, is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Diseases affecting the bile ducts can include primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), both autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation and scarring of the ducts. Cancers of the bile ducts, known as cholangiocarcinoma, are also a possibility. Diagnosis and treatment of bile duct conditions typically involve imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and endoscopic procedures.