Biliary Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Biliary epithelial cells (BEC), or cholangiocytes, line a complex tree-like 3-dimensional network of conduits within the liver that form the biliary tract. The biliary tree can be divided into extrahepatic and intrahepatic components, and receives its blood supply exclusively from hepatic artery branches (Fig. 4.1) [1]. The extrahepatic biliary tract is composed of the gallbladder, common hepatic duct, common bile duct, and cystic duct [2]. The intrahepatic biliary tract contains the bile canaliculi, the canals of Hering (or intrahepatic bile ductules), interlobular bile ducts, intrahepatic bile ducts, and the left and right hepatic bile ducts [1].