Common Bile Duct

Common Bile Duct (ductus choledochus) - tube-like structure formed by the union of the common hepatic duct and the cystic duct (from the gall bladder).

The conduction of bile is the main function of the common bile duct. The hormone cholecystokinin, when stimulated by a fatty meal, promotes bile secretion by increased production of hepatic bile, contraction of the gall bladder.

If clogged by a gallstone, a condition called choledocholithiasis can result, where the duct is vulnerable to an infection called ascending cholangitis.