Liver Histology Overview

Liver Histology

• The liver is composed of stroma and parenchyma
• Stroma consists of:
  • Capsule (Glisson's capsule): a thin connective tissue layer surrounding the liver.
  • Trabeculae: connective tissue septa originating from the capsule, dividing the liver into lobules. Lobulation is clear in animal species (e.g., camel, pig) due to thicker connective tissue septa, but not as clear in humans.
  • Reticular connective tissue: forms the background framework of the organ.
• Parenchyma, the functional component, consists of hepatocytes arranged in a well-organized manner in hexagonal lobules
  • Hepatocytes (liver cells): the structural and functional units of the liver.
    • Arranged in radial cords/plates (1-2 cells thick) radiating from the central vein
    • Contained within the hexagonal mass of the hepatic lobule, drained centrally by the central vein
    • Located around portal triads at the corners of the lobule
  • The portal triad contains:
    • Portal vein
    • Hepatic artery
    • Bile duct
    • Lymphatic vessels
• Hepatic lobules: hexagonal units of liver tissue, drained centrally via the central vein. Portal triads are located at the corners of the lobule.
• Bile canaliculi: spaces between hepatocytes where bile is secreted.
• Liver sinusoids: spaces lined by endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, situated between hepatocytes cords.
• Space of Disse: space between endothelial lining of the blood sinusoid and surface of hepatocytes; contains:
  • Long microvilli projecting from liver cells
  • Ito's cells (stellate cells)
  • Fat cells
  • Plasma
  • Nerve fibers
• Hepatocytes are large cells with a round, pale nucleus and prominent nucleoli. Many are binucleated.
• The cytoplasm of hepatocytes contains numerous mitochondria, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), a well-developed Golgi complex, lysosomes, and vacuoles containing various enzymes. Numerous free ribosomes are present.
• Stored glycogen, lipids, and iron are present in hepatocytes.
• The image of the liver with H&E stain displays central vein, sinusoids, and hepatocytes sheets with branches of central vessels (bile duct, hepatic artery , portal veins)

Explore the intricate structure of the liver's histology, focusing on the stroma and parenchyma. This quiz covers the components such as Glisson's capsule, hepatocytes, and the organization of liver lobules. Perfect for students studying anatomy or histology!