Cystic duct
Ductus cysticus
Definition
The cystic duct runs backward, downward, and to the left from the neck of the gall-bladder, and joins the common hepatic duct to form the (common) bile duct. It measures about 4 cm long.
The mucous membrane lining its interior is thrown into a series of crescentic folds (spiral fold), from five to twelve in number, similar to those found in the neck of the gall-bladder. They project into the duct in regular succession, and are directed obliquely around the tube, presenting much the appearance of a continuous spiral valve. When the duct is distended, the spaces between the folds are dilated, so as to give to its exterior a twisted appearance.
References
