Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Anatomy & Physiology

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains why a gallstone lodged in the cystic duct may also cause blockage of the pancreas?

The pancreas secretes bile that passes through the cystic duct.

The cystic duct directly drains pancreatic enzymes into the gallbladder.

A gallstone in the cystic duct can block the common bile duct, which is joined by the pancreatic duct before entering the duodenum.

The cystic duct merges with the pancreatic duct before entering the duodenum.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the biliary system and pancreas. The cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct, which carries bile to the duodenum. The pancreatic duct carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum, and these two ducts merge at the hepatopancreatic ampulla (also known as the ampulla of Vater).

Step 2: Recognize the role of the cystic duct in bile flow. A gallstone lodged in the cystic duct can obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, leading to a backup of bile.

Step 3: Understand the shared pathway of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct. Since the common bile duct and pancreatic duct merge before entering the duodenum, a blockage in the common bile duct can also obstruct the flow of pancreatic enzymes.

Step 4: Analyze the consequences of the blockage. If bile and pancreatic enzymes cannot flow into the duodenum, it can lead to inflammation or damage to the pancreas (e.g., pancreatitis) due to the buildup of pressure and digestive enzymes.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct explanation is based on the anatomical connection between the common bile duct and pancreatic duct. A gallstone in the cystic duct indirectly causes blockage of the pancreas by obstructing the common bile duct, which is joined by the pancreatic duct before entering the duodenum.