ductele

Ductele, or ducts, are tubular channels that convey fluids, secretions, or air within biological systems and built environments. In biology they link glands and organs to surfaces or cavities; in engineering they transport air, water, or chemical streams.

In anatomy, ductele include bile ducts that connect the liver and gallbladder to the intestine; pancreatic ducts delivering pancreatic juice; lacrimal ducts draining tears to the nasal cavity; salivary ducts including the parotid and submandibular pathways; and renal collecting ducts that carry urine from nephrons to the renal pelvis. Some ducts are intraepithelial or have smooth muscle sphincters.

Pathology: ducts can be obstructed or undergo dilation; examples include stone blockage of bile ducts, dilation of the pancreatic duct, ductal carcinoma in the pancreas or breast, sialolithiasis in salivary ducts, and nasolacrimal duct obstruction causing tearing.

In engineering and architecture: ductele form ductwork in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as plumbing networks; design considerations include material, insulation, sealing, diameter, and pressure losses; standards relate to fire resistance and hygiene.

Development and function: ducts develop from epithelial tissue and often connect glands to surfaces; they may be multi-layered with smooth muscle, ciliated or secretory cells; ductal systems can be simple or highly branched.