326 



THE LIVER 



in the cell columns and stand in the same relation to the hepatic 

 cells as though each cell column formed a tubule whose capillary 

 lumen, the bile canaliculus, was surrounded by only two secreting 

 cells, whereas in other tubular glands a larger number of cells 

 encircle the lumen of the secreting tubule. Hence the bile capil- 

 laries and the blood capillaries are never in contact, but are always 

 separated by at least one-third to one-half the diameter of a hepatic 



FIG. 269. A LOBULE OF THE HUMAN LIVER, SEEN IN TRANSECTION. 



It is outlined by three small portal canals and contains a single central vein. Ilematein 



and eosin. Photo, x 50. 



cell. The bile capillary occurs on that surface of the hepatic cell 

 which is in contact with other cells within the column; the blood j 

 capillary, on the other hand, is in relation with that surface of! 

 the hepatic cell which forms the periphery of the cell column. 



The blood capillaries are suspended in the fine meshes of the 

 delicate reticulum which has already been described as the intra- 

 lobular connective tissue, and which also invests the columns of 

 hepatic cells. This connective tissue is of relatively insignificant 

 volume. 



