A bipolar plate, which forms a first polar plate of a first base element of a fuel cell and a second polar plate of a second base element adjacent to the first base element of the fuel cell, includes two parallel plates. Each plate of the parallel plates includes at least one distribution channel formed in a thickness thereof, for distributing fuel or oxidant. Each distribution channel is arranged so that, when the first and second base elements of the fuel cell are stacked together, a flow channel is formed between the two parallel plates, and the flow channel communicates with a cooling fluid supply opening.