sphincter of Oddi

anatomy

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Located in the wall of the duodenum, this sphincter regulates the release of these digestive fluids, which are essential for breaking down fats and other nutrients. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, while pancreatic juices are produced by the pancreas. When food enters the duodenum, the sphincter of Oddi relaxes, allowing bile and pancreatic juices to enter and aid in digestion. The pyloric sphincter, on the other hand, is located at the junction of the stomach and the small intestine and controls the passage of food from the stomach into the duodenum.123

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gallbladder
…the common duct, called the sphincter of Oddi, regulates the flow of bile into the duodenum. The upper right branch is the hepatic duct, which leads to the liver, where bile is produced. The upper left branch, the cystic duct, passes to the gallbladder, where bile is stored.
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…the common duct, called the sphincter of Oddi, regulates the flow of bile into the duodenum. The upper right branch is the hepatic duct, which leads to the liver, where bile is produced. The upper left branch, the cystic duct, passes to the gallbladder, where bile is stored.
Read More