Bile canaliculus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a human liver cell (red-brown), also known as hepatocyte, and a bile canaliculus (green). Hepatocytes, among other numerous functions, secrete a viscous green-brown fluid called bile. Bile is drained away from the liver through a dense network of bile canaliculi towards the gall-bladder. After a meal, bile is expelled from the gall-bladder and enters the duodenum where it plays an important role in the breakdown and digestion of fatty compounds. Magnification: x17,400 at 6x7cm size.