Some Observations on the Innervation of the Extrahepatic Biliary System in Man

Abstract

Examination of silver impregnated and methylene blue stained material shows that the extrahepatic portion of the human biliary tree has a rich nerve supply. Associated with the intramural nerve plexuses are numerous groups of nerve cells of a distinctly ganglionated character. No nerve endings could be found in the terminal effector areas and we believe that the ultimate extension of the intrinsic plexuses represents a true nervous syncytium. Though the higher autonomic centers exert a remote control over the biliary passages, our results and the data of recent literature indicate the importance of the intrinsic nervous system in responding to humoral and other stimuli. In contrast with all other glandular passages the biliary system has a dual role to fulfill, storage of bile during fasting and its discharge into the duodenum following meals, and this can be mediated only through an efficient intrinsic nervous apparatus, developed as a result of functional necessity.