Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study Login Register
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Hepatic duct

Liver in situ seen from an anterior view of the abdomen with the liver retracted.

hepatic duct is a tube which carries bile synthesized and secreted by the liver. Bile produced by hepatocytes is initially secreted into bile canaliculi which drain into small interlobular biliary ducts, which in turn drain into larger collecting ducts. These collecting ducts then merge to form the two main bile ducts of the liver; the left and right hepatic ducts, which drain bile from the left and right functional lobes of the liver, respectively.

The left hepatic duct is typically longer and more horizontally orientated in comparison to the shorter and more vertical right hepatic duct. The left and right hepatic ducts join to form the common hepatic duct shortly after leaving the porta hepatis. Approximately 2-3 cm after the formation of the common hepatic duct, the cystic duct joins the common hepatic duct in forming the (common) bile duct, conveying the bile to the duodenum

Terminology English: Hepatic duct
Latin: Ductus hepaticus
Definition Tube which carries bile synthesized and secreted by the liver
Drainage Left hepatic duct: left functional lobe of liver
Right hepatic duct: right functional lobe of liver

Learn all about the liver with this study unit (and article):

Hepatic duct: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!