How does bile travel from the liver to the small intestine? 🧬
Bile begins in liver cells and enters microscopic channels called bile canaliculi. These channels connect to progressively larger ducts, eventually forming the right and left hepatic ducts.
The common hepatic duct connects with the gallbladder through the cystic duct. Together, the common hepatic and cystic ducts form the common bile duct, which carries bile toward the duodenum.
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile between meals. When food is being digested, stored bile can be released into the intestine, where bile salts help with fat digestion and absorption.
Explore this hidden digestive pathway through premium 3D medical CGI from Body Spectra.
Educational content only. This animation simplifies complex anatomy, and individual biliary duct arrangements can vary.
