Question

What is the small space between hepatocytes that form intrahepatic ducts where excretory products of cell can drain?

Answer 1

The small space between hepatocytes that allows for the drainage of excretory products into intrahepatic ducts is known as a bile canaliculus. Bile flows from these canaliculi into bile ductules and larger bile ducts, culminating in the common bile duct that leads into the small intestine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The small space between hepatocytes that forms intrahepatic ducts where excretory products of the cell can drain is known as a bile canaliculus. Bile canaliculi are tiny ducts that collect bile produced by hepatocytes, the major functional cells of the liver. These canaliculi are formed by grooves in the cell membranes between adjacent hepatocytes. Bile then flows from the canaliculi into bile ductules, and eventually into larger bile ducts. These ducts converge to form the right and left hepatic ducts, and ultimately the common hepatic duct. The common hepatic duct combines with the cystic duct from the gallbladder to become the common bile duct, which moves bile into the small intestine.

Meanwhile, hepatic sinusoids, made of fenestrated capillaries from hepatic portal veins and hepatic arteries, allow blood to flow between rows of hepatocytes. This blood flow system ensures that blood and bile flow in opposite directions for efficient processing of substances by the liver cells.

Answer 2

The small space between hepatocytes that form intrahepatic ducts is called the **bile canaliculus**¹. It is a narrow channel that collects bile secreted by hepatocytes and transports it to the bile ductules².