Cystic Duct (Ductus cysticus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The cystic duct is a tortuous, narrow biliary conduit connecting the neck of the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct. Containing the spiral fold (spiral valve of Heister) in its mucosa that prevents collapse and regulates bidirectional bile flow, it forms the superior boundary of the cystohepatic triangle of Calot.
Clinical notes
Impaction of a gallstone within the cystic duct produces biliary colic and acute calculous cholecystitis; precise identification of the cystic duct in the triangle of Calot is the primary safety imperative in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Cystic Duct?
The cystic duct is a tortuous, narrow biliary conduit connecting the neck of the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct. Containing the spiral fold (spiral valve of Heister) in its mucosa that prevents collapse and regulates bidirectional bile flow, it forms the superior boundary of the cystohepatic triangle of Calot.
Why is the Cystic Duct clinically important?
Impaction of a gallstone within the cystic duct produces biliary colic and acute calculous cholecystitis; precise identification of the cystic duct in the triangle of Calot is the primary safety imperative in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Source & license
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