Final answer:
The small spaces between hepatocytes that allow for the drainage of excretory products into the intrahepatic ducts are known as bile canaliculi. These collect bile produced by hepatocytes and pass it into the bile ducts, which eventually lead to the small intestine. Additionally, hepatic sinusoids are involved in processing blood-borne substances and are closely associated with these hepatocytes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The small spaces between hepatocytes that form intrahepatic ducts where excretory products of cells can drain are known as bile canaliculi. These are grooves in the cell membranes of adjacent hepatocytes that collect bile produced by these cells. The bile then flows into bile ductules and eventually into bile ducts, joining to form the right and left hepatic ducts and subsequently exiting the liver through the common hepatic duct. This duct merges with the cystic duct from the gallbladder, creating the common bile duct which transports bile into the small intestine.
In addition, hepatic sinusoids are blood capillaries that receive blood from the hepatic portal vein and the branches of the hepatic artery. These sinusoids allow for the exchange of materials between the blood and the hepatocytes. Materials such as bilirubin are processed and excreted into the bile canaliculi, while the processed blood is collected and sent through the hepatic vein into the inferior vena cava.