Bile canaliculi
Bile Canaliculi
Bile canaliculi (pronunciation: /ˈbaɪl kəˈnælɪkjuːlaɪ/) are small, tube-like structures that carry bile from hepatocytes (liver cells) to the bile ducts in the liver.
Etymology
The term "bile canaliculi" is derived from the Latin words "bilis" meaning "bile" and "canaliculus" meaning "small channel or pipe".
Function
Bile canaliculi serve as the first step in the transport of bile from the liver to the gallbladder. They form a network around hepatocytes, collecting bile that is excreted by the cells. The bile then flows through the canaliculi to progressively larger bile ducts, eventually reaching the gallbladder where it is stored until needed for digestion.
Related Terms
- Bile: A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
- Hepatocyte: The main cell type in the liver, responsible for producing bile.
- Bile duct: The ducts that transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
- Liver: A large organ in the body that produces bile and performs many other important functions.
- Gallbladder: A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bile canaliculi
- Wikipedia's article - Bile canaliculi
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