American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

Bile duct obstruction is a condition where the passage through the bile ducts is blocked, preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the intestine. This can lead to a buildup of bile in the liver and can manifest through various symptoms, such as jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools.

The term "biliary obstruction" specifically refers to the blockage that occurs in the biliary system, which includes the bile ducts. This makes it the most accurate choice among the options provided, as it specifically describes the condition of obstruction in the bile ducts, directly correlating with the question's focus on bile duct obstruction.

In contrast, hepatitis typically refers to inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, toxins, or autoimmune responses, which is not directly linked to bile duct obstruction. Cirrhosis involves scarring of the liver due to chronic liver conditions and can have various underlying causes, though it does not specifically indicate blockage of the bile ducts. Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, can indirectly lead to bile duct obstruction when a stone obstructs the duct but is itself a condition characterized by the formation of stones in the gallbladder, rather than focusing solely on obstruction.

Thus, "biliary obstruction" accurately represents the specific condition being