What is the function of the cystic duct?

• A. Direct bile to gallbladder for storage.
• B. Direct bile from gallbladder to the liver.
• C. Store bile in liver.
• D. Convert bilirubin to conjugated form.

Answer: (A)

Bile travels through the biliary system and the cystic duct serves as the link between the gallbladder and the common bile duct. Its main role is to direct bile into the gallbladder for storage and concentration when digestion isn’t happening. When fatty foods are eaten, the gallbladder contracts and pushes bile back through the cystic duct into the common bile duct to reach the duodenum. This duct does not move bile from the gallbladder to the liver, it does not store bile in the liver, and bilirubin conjugation occurs in the liver, not via the cystic duct.