What is examined during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure primarily used to visualize and diagnose issues within the biliary and pancreatic ducts. During this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the duodenum, allowing for the visualization of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts on X-ray images. This method is particularly useful in identifying blockages, stones, or abnormalities in these ducts, as well as conditions such as pancreatitis or tumors.

While other choices mention important anatomical structures, they are not the primary focus of ERCP. For example, gallbladder assessments may be conducted via ultrasound or other imaging techniques, liver function tests measure the liver's performance but do not rely on ERCP, and the small intestine is not the target area for this specific procedure. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary role of ERCP in examining the biliary and pancreatic ducts, which is critical for diagnosing and guiding treatment for various gastrointestinal issues.