Which duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct?

• A. Cystic duct
• B. Common bile duct
• C. Hepatic duct
• D. Pancreatic duct

Answer: (A)

Understanding the biliary tree and how bile moves from the gallbladder to the duodenum. The duct that connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct is the cystic duct. Bile produced by the liver travels through the hepatic ducts and joins with the cystic duct to form the common bile duct. The cystic duct provides the link that allows bile to be stored in the gallbladder and then released back into the biliary system when needed. The common bile duct then carries bile to the duodenum. The other ducts have different roles: the hepatic ducts drain the liver, forming the common hepatic duct, and the pancreatic duct drains the pancreas and joins the biliary system near the duodenum. The cystic duct often contains spiral valves (valves of Heister) to help keep it patent during flow.