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First described by Ruggero Oddi in 1887, the sphincter of Oddi (SO) is a smooth muscle sphincter located in the second portion of the duodenum.[1] It regulates the flow of hepatic and pancreatic substances into the small intestines. Although its function seems simple, it represents a prime example of how hormones and other signals can regulate smooth muscle. The sphincter of Oddi is important in hepatobiliary surgery as it is commonly traversed in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This sphincter may also become dysfunctional, requiring medical or surgical intervention.