Final answer:
Biliary colic pain is caused by the obstruction of the bile duct due to gallstones, causing increased pressure and leading to pain. The obstruction can also result in jaundice due to the backup of bile pigments like bilirubin into the liver and bloodstream.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanism of Pain in Biliary Colic
The pain caused by biliary colic is due to the obstruction of the bile duct by gallstones. When cholesterol accumulates in the gallbladder, it can form gallstones, which are solid particles mostly composed of cholesterol and other substances like calcium salts and fatty acids. These gallstones can travel through the bile duct, but if a large stone gets lodged, it impedes the flow of bile. This results in increased pressure within the gallbladder and bile ducts, causing significant pain. Additionally, obstructed bile flow may cause bile pigments, such as bilirubin, to back up into the liver and bloodstream, leading to jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Obstruction of bile ducts can also lead to complications like pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas often associated with gallstones. Treatment for conditions such as biliary colic and pancreatitis may include the removal of gallstones or surgery, such as a cholecystectomy.