ABSTRACT
Physiology of the human biliary system and its common diseases, especially gallstone and acalculous biliary pain, are described. Clinical aspects and critical factors relating to the diseases such as gallbladder (GB) motor function, cystic duct geometry and bile rheology are explained and discussed in terms of biomechanical point of view. Research profiles in fluid and solid mechanics of the biliary system are summarised. It turns out that fluid mechanics of GB and biliary tract in gallstone-bile two-phase flow conditions needs to be investigated to provide insights into clinical physiology of gallstone formation in future. Solid mechanics of intact GBs and GB wall tissue should be expanded in soft bio-tissue context, especially viscoelasticity. Modelling of GB in active state is a new challenge. The relationships between GB wall tissue biomechanical property and disease condition are on demand to improve clinical diagnosis.
