Final answer:
Blockage of the cystic duct, such as from gallstones, leads to reduced ability to digest fats due to bile being unable to reach the intestine. This can cause problems after consuming high-fat meals and may lead to jaundice and pain. The liver is involved in bile production, is a gland, and also synthesizes cholesterol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Problems caused by a blockage of the cystic duct would include a reduced ability to digest fats. The cystic duct is an important part of the biliary system and is responsible for transporting bile from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, which then carries it to the duodenum of the small intestine. Bile is crucial for the digestion and absorption of fats, which means that a blockage of the cystic duct can lead to fat digestion issues. Gallstones are a common cause of such blockage, and if they lodge in the cystic duct, they can prevent bile from reaching the intestines, leading to difficulty digesting and absorbing fats. This can result in symptoms such as jaundice, pain, and digestive problems, especially after eating high-fat meals.
The liver, which synthesizes bile, is indeed a gland, confirming the statement that the liver is a gland to be true. Substances secreted by the pancreas, such as digestive enzymes, enter into the duodenum through the common bile duct, aligning with the information about the accessory organs of digestion. Moreover, bile does contain wastes that the liver has processed for excretion from the body. The liver is also the accessory organ that synthesizes cholesterol.