Bile ducts are channels that drain the canaliculi. Sphincter of Oddi - controls movement of bile and pancreatic secretions into small intestine. Excretory component - bile pigments, bilirubin, drug metabolites. Bilirubin is an end product of hemoglobin degradation, and is actively absorbed from blood by hepatocytes and secreted into cannaliculi with bile salts 2. Bile consists of bile salts, cholesterol, lecithin and fatty acids.
Bile salts are the major component.
They are more soluble in this form. Secondary bile acids - formed by bacteria in the intestine by dehydroxylation of primary bile acids. While in the gall bladder, water and specific anions are removed. This action breaks up fat particles into smaller globules and increases the surface which digestive enzymes can attack. Bile salts are released into the small intestine.