The biliary tract comprises the [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]], hepatic duct, common bile duct and the duodenal papillae onto which it opens. If any part of this tract is obstructed, the normal flow of [[Bile Formation|bile]] is interrupted resulting in [[Cholestasis - Molecular Pathogenesis|cholestasis]] and [[Icterus|post-hepatic jaundice]]. If the obstruction is not relieved, the biliary tract may [[Biliary Tract - Rupture|rupture]] to produce a chemical [[Peritonitis|bile peritonitis]].
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*compression of the ducts by nearby inflammatory and neoplastic processes
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**more common
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The causes of biliary tract obstruction may be '''intraluminal''' or '''extraluminal''':
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*Intraluminal
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**parasites
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**choleliths (gall stones)
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**Mucocoele
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*Extraluminal
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**compression of the ducts by nearby inflammatory and neoplastic processes