Cholecystitis is typically caused by what condition?

Prepare for your Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with our comprehensive exam resources. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints, and detailed explanations. Boost your readiness for success!

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. The classic trigger is gallstones blocking the cystic duct, causing bile to back up, the gallbladder to become distended, and its lining to become irritated and inflamed. This environment also allows bacteria from the gut to contribute to the infection, leading to the typical inflammatory response. Viral hepatitis targets liver cells, not the gallbladder, pancreatitis involves the pancreas (often related to gallstones but a different organ), and peptic ulcers affect the stomach or duodenum lining. So blockage of the cystic duct by gallstones best explains cholecystitis.