Spiral fold
Plica spiralis
- Latin eponym: Valvula Heisteri
- Eponym: Spiral valve of Heister; Heister's valve
Definition
The mucous membraneof cystic duct, lining its interior is thrown into a series of crescentic folds (spiral fold), from five to twelve in number, similar to those found in the neck of the gall-bladder. They project into the duct in regular succession, and are directed obliquely around the tube, presenting much the appearance of a continuous spiral valve. When the duct is distended, the spaces between the folds are dilated, so as to give to its exterior a twisted appearance.