Bile formation is:

A. An active secretory process.

B. Determined at two sites principally.

C. Regulated physiologically by hormones

D. Largely determined by the intactness of the enterohepatic circulation (EHC).

DISCUSSION: Bile formation is an active process at both the canalicular and ductular sites. The paracellular pathway probably plays a minor physiologic role. Secretin and glucagon are likely physiologic regulators of biliary secretion. Bile salts are extremely important and are probably the most important agent in the changes that occur when enterohepatic circulation is interrupted.