biliares

Biliares is a term used to describe the biliary system, the set of organs and ducts that produce, transport, and store bile. The primary components are the liver, the gallbladder, and the network of bile ducts. Bile is produced by hepatocytes in the liver and contains bile acids, bilirubin, cholesterol, and phospholipids, and it plays a crucial role in the emulsification and digestion of fats.

Anatomy and flow: Intrahepatic bile ducts collect bile within the liver and converge into the right and left hepatic ducts, which join to form the common hepatic duct. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the common bile duct via the cystic duct when digestion occurs. The common bile duct then transports bile to the duodenum, typically merging with the main pancreatic duct at the ampulla of Vater before entry into the small intestine.

Physiology: Bile secretion is regulated by hormones such as cholecystokinin. Between meals, the gallbladder fills and concentrates bile; during digestion, it contracts to release bile into the intestine. The biliary system also participates in enterohepatic circulation, reabsorbing bile acids for reuse.

Clinical relevance: Obstruction or disease of the biliary system can cause cholestasis and jaundice. Common conditions include cholelithiasis (gallstones), biliary atresia in newborns, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Diagnostic tools include ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP); interventions may involve endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or cholecystectomy.

Summary: The biliary (biliares) system is essential for bile production, storage, and delivery to the intestine, supporting fat digestion and various metabolic processes.