Ampulla of Vater

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Ampulla of Vater

The Ampulla of Vater (pronounced: am-puh-luh of vay-ter), also known as the hepatopancreatic ampulla or the confluence of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct, is a crucial structure in the digestive system.

Etymology

The term "Ampulla of Vater" is named after Abraham Vater, a German anatomist who first described this structure in 1720. The word "ampulla" is derived from the Latin word 'ampulla', meaning a small bottle or flask, which describes the shape of this structure.

Function

The Ampulla of Vater plays a significant role in the digestion process. It is the point where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct merge before entering the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine. The ampulla allows the release of bile and pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum, aiding in the digestion of fats and proteins.

Related Terms

  • Bile Duct: The tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the duodenum.
  • Pancreatic Duct: The duct that carries enzymes and digestive juices from the pancreas into the duodenum.
  • Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, leading to the jejunum.
  • Common Bile Duct: Formed by the union of the cystic duct and the hepatic duct, it carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum.

Pathology

Disorders of the Ampulla of Vater can lead to serious health conditions, including pancreatitis, cholangitis, and ampullary cancer. Diagnosis and treatment of these conditions often involve procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy.

External links

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