Cholangiocytes,the epithelial cells lining the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, are highly specialized cells residing in a complex anatomic niche where they participate in bile production and homeostasis. Where does ursodeoxycholic acid come from? Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), also known as urso...
Blood testsmay show infection, pancreas function, or provide information about your overall health. An x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, or CTmay show the cause of your pancreatitis and help healthcare providers plan your treatment. You may be given contrast liquid to help your pancreas show up better ...
Bile begins in yourliver, where it is created by special cells. From there, your bile ducts collect the bile and move it through the hepatic duct until it joins the cystic duct from yourgallbladderand becomes the common bile duct. Through this process, approximately half of your bile is...
What is cyanosis and what does it reflect?Circulation:Blood is constantly circulating throughout your body. Blood carries oxygen through the blood vessels to help tissues and cells function. Red blood cells carry the oxygen and oxygen-rich blood has a bright red appearance....
intestines is suspected but the stool is not visibly black, red, or maroon, then occult stool blood testing (a small amount of blood that does not cause the color of stool to change much) can be done. This tests the stool directly for blood with a dye (fecal occult blood test or ...
What do I need to know about endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)?ERCP is a procedure to examine the ducts of your pancreas or gallbladder. ERCP may also be used to open blocked ducts, or to diagnose problems with your pancreas or gallbladder. An endoscope (thin, flexible ...
Both HDL and LDL lipoproteins are essential carriers of cholesterol in the blood stream. However, when it comes to atherosclerosis, they seem to play a very different role. Therefore, measuring the amount of cholesterol within these particles tells two different stories. ...
A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, MRCP for short, is similar to an ERCP. But an ERCP is an invasive test and an MRCP is not. With an ERCP, a doctor has to insert an endoscope through your mouth to do the test. An MRCP isn't invasive; there is no endoscope. Instead, a...
You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath. You cough up blood.When should I seek immediate care?Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red. Your pain does not get better, even after you take pain medicine. Your abdomen is larger than usual....
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter the blood to remove waste, leaving only nutrients needed by the body. Learn about the structure and functions of kidneys, such as cleaning up bloodborne waste products, balancing bodily fluids, and other important functions. Related...