The<unk> , sometimes abbreviated as<unk> , is a<unk>  in the gastrointestinal tract of organisms that have a gallbladder. It is formed by the confluence of the<unk>  hepatic<unk>  and cystic<unk>  and terminates by uniting with pancreatic<unk> , forming the ampulla of Vater. The flow of<unk>  from the ampulla of Vater into the duodenum is under the control of the sphincter of Oddi. When the sphincter of Oddi is closed, newly synthesized<unk>  from the liver is forced into storage in the gallbladder. When open, the stored and concentrated<unk>  (now mixed with pancreatic secretions) exits into the duodenum and takes part in digestion. This conduction of<unk>  is the main function of the<unk> . The hormone cholecystokinin, when stimulated by a fatty meal, promotes<unk>  secretion by increased production of hepatic<unk> , contraction of the gallbladder, and relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi.
Common bile duct
Portal vein
Large intestine
Small intestine
Album graecum
Esophagus
Megaduodenum
Preureteric vena cava