T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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MH 127 Liver
Bile Canaliculi
The higher contrast staining of the liver with azan helps in the visualization of bile canaliculi. However, other structures tend to be more difficult to visualize.
Lobule - roughly hexagonal structure with a central vein at its center and six portal triads at its periphery.
Central Vein - large venule at the center of the lobule.
Hepatocytes - anastomosing plates, one cell thick, radiate outward from the central vein separated by sinusoidal capillaries and supported by reticular fibers.
Portal Triads - at the corners of each lobule (hepatic arterioles, portal venule, bile ductules and lymphatic vessels).
Bile Ducts - lined with a simple cuboidal epithelium.
Bile Canaliculi (#1 and #2) - bile is secreted into 1 to 2 µm diameter tubes formed by adjacent hepatocytes that drain into bile ductules at the portal triads.
Longitudinal Section - are seen as darker staining lines between adjacent hepatocytes.
Cross-Section - occasionally as a small dot in the center between two hepatocytes.
