Final answer:
Gallstone duct obstruction is the cause of blockage in the bile ducts, which can lead to jaundice due to the backup of bilirubin in the blood. Large gallstones block the flow of bile, necessitating, in some cases, the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gallstones are solid particles formed from excessive cholesterol accumulation in the gallbladder. When these gallstones become too large, they can obstruct the bile ducts, leading to a blockage. The correct answer to the question of what might cause a blockage in the ducts related to gallstones is d) Gallstone duct obstruction. This obstruction prevents bile from being excreted, causing bilirubin to back up into the liver and bloodstream, leading to jaundice, characterized by yellow coloring of the skin and eyes. Surgical removal of the gallbladder might be necessary if it becomes infected or inflamed, although bile will still be produced by the liver afterwards. Additionally, the liver is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol, which is a key component involved in the formation of gallstones.