What term refers to a hard deposit formed in the gallbladder and bile ducts due to concentration of bile components?

• A. Cholelithiasis
• B. Cholangitis
• C. Gallstones
• D. Cholecystitis

Answer: (C)

Hard deposits formed when bile becomes concentrated are called gallstones. They arise when components like cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts precipitate and crystallize in the gallbladder or bile ducts. The stones themselves are the gallstones, while the term cholelithiasis refers to the condition of having gallstones (the process of stone formation). The other terms describe inflammation or infection of biliary structures rather than the deposits themselves: cholangitis is inflammation of the bile ducts, and cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. So the correct choice highlights the actual stones: gallstones.