Gallstones Cholesterol, secreted by

Gallstones
Cholesterol, secreted by the liver, may precipitate in the gall bladder to produce gallstones (figure A). Cholesterol is not soluble in water and is ordinarily kept in solution by bile salts. Gallstones can form when there is excess cholesterol in the bile due to a high cholesterol diet or when cholesterol is overly concentrated in the gallbladder. Occasionally, a gallstone passes out of the gallbladder and enters the cystic duct, blocking the release of bile. Such a condition interferes with normal digestion, and the gallstone often must be removed surgically. If the gallstone moves far enough down the duct, it can also block the pancreatic duct, resulting in pancreatitis