[A new aspect of physiology of the bile ducts (author's transl)].

After evaluation of the force necessary for filling of the gall bladder, it seemed to us difficult to admit that the sphincter of Oddi was the only mechanism necessary for filling, which occurs perfectly without this sphincter. This is why our attention was drawn to the possible role of cystic duct circular muscle which has an important neuro-muscular supply and a known peristaltic activity. Studying the anatomical structure of the region, we examined the various routes which may be followed by the bile during filling and emptying. Filling follows a very particular course, like a cork screw, between the wall of the cystic duct and the lower surface of Heisster's value in which the neuro-muscular mechanism is sufficient to ensure peristaltic movements which may pump the bile across Lutken's sphincter into the gall bladder.