Some observations on the fine structure of the intrahepatic biliary passages in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

  • Torao Yamamoto
Article
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Summary

In the present study, it has been demonstrated that the liver cell of goldfish is provided with a single intracellular bile canaliculus, the lumen of which is covered with numerous irregular microvilli. This canaliculus originates at the vicinity of the nucleus and extends to the cell surface in close association with the Golgi apparatus. An independent transition occurs abruptly between each bile canaliculus and the terminal bile duct at the surface of the liver cell.

The terminal bile duct is composed of a single duct cell, the lumen of which is formed by infolding of the plasma membrane and is sealed by terminal bars longitudinally. Since the duct cell is attached to the liver cell by a terminal bar at the zone of transition, the bile is discharged directly into the terminal bile duct, independent of the intercellular space between adjoining liver cells. The duct cells comprising small bile ducts are in general poor in cytoplasmic constituents, but are provided with numerous cytoplasmic filaments. A basement membrane is usually absent in small bile ducts. However, the large ducts, which are composed of typical cuboidal cells with well developed cell organelles, acquire a distinct basement membrane and they are surrounded by a continuous layer of thin periduct cells.

Keywords

Bile Duct Basement Membrane Duct Cell Carassius Auratus Bile Canaliculus 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1965

Authors and Affiliations

  • Torao Yamamoto
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of AnatomyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattle
  2. 2.Department of AnatomyNiigata University School of MedicineNiigataJapan

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