Ampulla: Medical Definition and Key Examples

Ampulla refers to a sac-like dilation in a tubular structure. Two key examples:

1. Ampulla of Vater: Where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into the duodenum, controlling release of bile and pancreatic juices for digestion.
2. Semicircular canal ampullae / nerve ampullae: Enlarged ends of inner ear canals or nerve axons (e.g., at synapses) that house sensory structures or neurotransmitter vesicles.