Duct (anatomy)

Duct (anatomy)

A duct in anatomy is a passage with well-defined walls, especially a tubular structure for the passage of excretions or secretions. Ducts are found throughout the body and serve a variety of functions, including the transport of bodily fluids and the facilitation of certain metabolic processes.

Types of Ducts

There are several types of ducts in the human body, each serving a unique function. Some of the most notable include:

• Bile ducts: These ducts carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Bile aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.

• Duct of Bellini: Located in the kidneys, these ducts are the final portion of the urinary tract, carrying urine from the collecting ducts to the renal pelvis.

• Ejaculatory duct: In males, these ducts transport sperm and seminal vesicle fluid to the urethra.

• Lactiferous duct: These ducts are found in the breasts and carry milk from the mammary glands to the nipple.

• Pancreatic duct: This duct carries digestive enzymes and bicarbonate from the pancreas to the duodenum.

Function of Ducts

Ducts serve as pathways for the transport of various bodily fluids. They are integral to the functioning of many bodily systems, including the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The structure and function of ducts can vary widely depending on their location and the specific substances they transport.

Diseases and Disorders

Ducts can be affected by a variety of diseases and disorders. For example, blockages can occur, leading to conditions such as gallstones or pancreatitis. Inflammation of the ducts, known as ductitis, can also occur. Certain cancers, such as breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, can originate in the ducts.

See Also

• Anatomy
• Bile duct
• Duct of Bellini
• Ejaculatory duct
• Lactiferous duct
• Pancreatic duct

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  Dissected lactating breast

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the liver

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the pancreas

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the salivary glands

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the bile duct

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  Centroacinar cells in the pancreas

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  Striated duct in the parotid gland