Which organs are visualized during a hepatobiliary study?

Which organs are visualized during a hepatobiliary study?

• A. Heart, lungs, pancreas, kidneys
• B. Gall bladder, intestines, liver, common bile duct
• C. Stomach, spleen, gall bladder, intestines
• D. Brain, liver, lungs, bladder

Answer: (B)

A hepatobiliary study, also known as a HIDA scan, specifically focuses on the evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. This imaging technique utilizes radiopharmaceuticals to assess the functionality and anatomy of the biliary system and liver. In the context of the options provided, the correct choice identifies the gallbladder, intestines, liver, and common bile duct as the organs visualized during the study. The gallbladder is of particular interest because the scan assesses its ability to concentrate the radiotracer and contract in response to stimulation. The liver produces bile, which is critical to the evaluation of bilirubin metabolism, and the common bile duct is crucial for the transport of bile to and from the gallbladder to the intestines. The other options include organs that are not part of the hepatobiliary system or do not play a role in this specific study, which contributes to the incorrectness of those choices. Focusing on the liver and its associated structures is central to understanding what a hepatobiliary study entails. This knowledge underscores the relevance of the correct answer, which aptly represents the organs involved in this diagnostic imaging test.

A hepatobiliary study, also known as a HIDA scan, specifically focuses on the evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. This imaging technique utilizes radiopharmaceuticals to assess the functionality and anatomy of the biliary system and liver.

In the context of the options provided, the correct choice identifies the gallbladder, intestines, liver, and common bile duct as the organs visualized during the study. The gallbladder is of particular interest because the scan assesses its ability to concentrate the radiotracer and contract in response to stimulation. The liver produces bile, which is critical to the evaluation of bilirubin metabolism, and the common bile duct is crucial for the transport of bile to and from the gallbladder to the intestines.

The other options include organs that are not part of the hepatobiliary system or do not play a role in this specific study, which contributes to the incorrectness of those choices. Focusing on the liver and its associated structures is central to understanding what a hepatobiliary study entails. This knowledge underscores the relevance of the correct answer, which aptly represents the organs involved in this diagnostic imaging test.