Final answer:
The term 'duodenohepatic' consists of 'duodeno', referring to the duodenum, the initial part of the small intestine, and 'hepatic', referring to the liver. These parts highlight the connection between the liver and the duodenum, especially at the hepatopancreatic ampulla where bile and pancreatic juices enter the duodenum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term duodenohepatic can be separated into two parts indicating anatomical relations between structures of the digestive system: 'duodeno' and 'hepatic'. 'Duodeno' refers to the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine, starting at the pyloric sphincter at the stomach's outlet and initially forming a C-shaped curve. The duodenum is crucial for the initial stages of digestion, as it receives chyme mixed with bile and pancreatic juices. 'Hepatic' refers to the liver. Within the context of the duodenum, the liver produces bile that aids in digestion, traveling through ducts that connect to the duodenum.
In particular, the hepatopancreatic ampulla, also known as the ampulla of Vater, is where the bile duct and the main pancreatic duct join and open into the duodenum. This area, further regulated by the hepatopancreatic sphincter or sphincter of Oddi, plays a fundamental role in controlling the flow of digestive fluids into the duodenum for efficient digestion. Hence, the term duodenohepatic relates to the interaction between the duodenum and the liver within the digestive system.