In a normal hepatobiliary study, which structure is typically not visualized?

In a normal hepatobiliary study, the spleen is typically not visualized. This imaging technique is used to assess the liver, biliary system, gallbladder, and sometimes the common bile duct, focusing specifically on their functionality and the flow of the radiotracer used during the study.

The liver, common bile duct, and gallbladder are specifically targeted in the study because they play critical roles in the metabolism and drainage of bile. The liver produces bile, which is then transported through the bile ducts, including the common bile duct, into the gallbladder for storage.

In contrast, the spleen, while an important organ in the immune system and blood filtration, is not part of the hepatobiliary system. Therefore, it is not typically visualized in these studies, as the focus lies on the hepatic and biliary structures. This distinction is critical for understanding the anatomical targets of the study and the physiological processes involved in bile formation and excretion.