Library · Anatomy
Bile duct
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A bile duct is part of a network of tubes that carries bile away from the liver. This network, called the biliary tree, looks like the branches of a tree turned upside down: many tiny channels join to form larger pathways.
Inside the liver, these small channels come together as the right and left hepatic ducts. Outside the liver, the pathways join and connect with the gallbladder and small intestine, creating a continuous route for bile.
In brief
A bile duct is one of the branching tubes that carry bile made by the liver. Together, these tubes form the biliary tree, a network that begins as very small channels inside the liver and converges into progressively larger ducts.
Small ducts join to form larger ones.
The intrahepatic ducts ultimately form the right and left hepatic ducts. Outside the liver, these pathways join and connect with the gallbladder and small intestine.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology InformationAnatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Biliary DuctsPublished
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