Interlobular bile ducts

Interlobular bile ducts are part of the biliary system that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine. They are located between the liver lobules, hence the name 'interlobular'. These ducts are lined by cholangiocytes, specialized epithelial cells that help in the secretion and modification of bile.

Structure

Interlobular bile ducts are small ducts that connect the canaliculi (small channels in the liver that collect bile) to larger bile ducts. They are lined by a single layer of cholangiocytes, which are cuboidal in shape. These cells have microvilli on their surface that increase the surface area for secretion and absorption.

Function

The primary function of the interlobular bile ducts is to transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats. The cholangiocytes lining the interlobular bile ducts also modify the bile by secreting bicarbonate in response to the hormone secretin.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the interlobular bile ducts can lead to serious conditions such as primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. These conditions can cause symptoms such as jaundice, itching, and fatigue and can eventually lead to liver failure.

See also

• Biliary system
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Small intestine
• Cholangiocyte
• Liver lobule
• Canaliculi
• Secretin
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis