All of the following comprise the biliary tree EXCEPT?

The biliary tree is a complex system of ducts that carry bile from the liver to the duodenum. It includes various components responsible for bile storage and transport, primarily involving the liver, gallbladder, and associated ducts. The common bile duct, cystic duct, and hepatic duct are all integral parts of this system.

The common bile duct is formed by the convergence of the hepatic ducts and the cystic duct, facilitating bile flow from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine. The cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct, allowing bile to exit the gallbladder when needed for digestion. The hepatic ducts (right and left) transport bile produced in the liver.

In contrast, the splenic duct, also known as the splenic vein, does not belong to the biliary system. Its primary function is to drain blood from the spleen, rather than to transport bile. Thus, the splenic duct's role is entirely separate from that of the components of the biliary tree. This distinction is crucial because understanding the anatomy and function of each duct can aid in accurate identification of structures during imaging and clinical procedures.