32 Questions
What is the main function of the liver?
Synthesize and secrete bile to the duodenum
What is the function of the hepatocyte in the liver?
Synthesize and store glycogen
Which part of the liver is made of dense irregular connective tissue and covered by peritoneum?
Capsule
In which quadrant of the abdominal cavity is the liver located in most species?
Upper right quadrant
What is the characteristic basophilia of acinous cells attributed to?
Abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum
Which type of cells is responsible for secreting pancreatic enzymes?
Serous cells
What is the function of D cells in the endocrine pancreas?
Secrete somatostatin
What type of ducts merge to form the intralobular ducts inside the pancreas?
Intercalated ducts
What separates the islets of Langerhans from the exocrine tissue in the pancreas?
Reticulin fibers
During periods of fasting, which cells are usually packed with zymogen granules?
Serous cells
What gives the apical pole of acinous cells a usually acidophilic appearance?
Presence of zymogen granules
What types of fibers separate the islets of Langerhans from the exocrine tissue in the pancreas?
Reticulin fibers
What are the main functions of Kupffer cells in the liver?
Waste elimination, immune response modulation, and inflammation
Which cell type provides structural support to the sinusoids in the liver and stores lipids and vitamin A?
Ito cells
What is the main function of foveolar cells in the liver?
Synthesis of polypeptides with hormonal properties
How does endothelial cells contribute to the liver's function?
Allow direct exchange between blood products and hepatocytes
Which type of blood vessels supply nutrient-rich blood to the liver?
Portal vein
What is the color of the pancreas in the duodenum region?
Pinkish-white
Which part of the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes?
Exocrine pancreas
What surrounds the pancreatic parenchyma?
Thin capsule of irregular fibrous connective tissue
What divides the pancreatic parenchyma into lobes and lobules?
Fibrous septa
What is the structure of the exocrine pancreas?
Compound tubulo-acinar gland
What are the endocrine cells in the pancreas collectively referred to as?
Islets of Langerhans
What is the main function of the endocrine pancreas?
Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism
Which type of cells reside within the sinusoids of the liver and are involved in phagocytosis and releasing cytokines?
Kupffer cells
What is the main function of the perisinusoidal surface of hepatocytes?
Exchange of materials
What is the main function of trabeculae in the liver?
Support hepatocytes
What type of cells form rows or cords with sinusoids in between within the liver lobules?
Hepatocytes
What is the main function of endothelial cells in the liver sinusoids?
Lining the sinusoids
What is the characteristic feature of the lateral surface of hepatocytes?
Bile canaliculi
Which organelles are found in hepatocytes and are responsible for lipid metabolism?
SER
What structures divide the liver parenchyma into lobules?
Trabeculae
Study Notes
- The liver is made up mainly of hepatocytes, organized into morphological units called hepatic lobules, divisible into contiguous hexagonal spaces called lobules (only clearly visible in pig liver).
- Trabeculae: branched connective tissue penetrating the liver, forming thin branches and dividing the liver parenchyma into lobules. Thickest in pork liver, making it tougher.
- Each lobule contains six portal spaces, located at angles and corners. Each portal space contains an arterial branch, venous branch, and a bile duct. divides the lobule into functional units.
- Hepatocytes: Polygonal cells (20-30 µm in diameter) forming rows (cords) with sinusoids in between. Two types of surfaces: Perisinusoidal surface and lateral surface.
- Perisinusoidal surface: microvilli facilitating exchange of materials, hepatocyte discharges endocrine secretions, and blood enters via membrane receptors.
- Lateral surface: Desmosomes, porous junctions, and labyrinthine intercellular spaces (bile canaliculi) that prevent leakage of bile.
- Hepatocytes contain various organelles: ribosomes, RER, Golgi complex, mitochondria, peroxisomes/microsomes, SER, and cytoplasmic inclusions (glycogen, lipids).
- Sinusoids: Discontinuous or continuous blood capillaries carrying blood from artery and portal vein to the central vein. Linings include endothelial cells and Kupffer cells.
- Endothelial cells: Smaller cells that line the sinusoids.
- Kupffer cells: Larger cells that reside within sinusoids, acting as part of the reticuloendothelial system, involved in phagocytosis and releasing cytokines.
Test your knowledge of the structure and function of endothelial cells and hepatocytes, including the unique features of the space of Disse and the variations in endothelial cell layers. Explore the differences between species and gain a deeper understanding of these important cellular components.
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