Lobules of liver

Lobules of Liver

File:Liver lobule.svg

Diagram of a liver lobule

The Lobules of Liver are the functional units of the liver, the largest gland in the human body. Each lobule is a small, six-sided structure that consists of liver cells (hepatocytes), and is organized around a central vein.

Structure

File:Liver histology.jpg

Histological section of a liver lobule

The liver is divided into thousands of lobules, each measuring about 2 mm in diameter. Each lobule is hexagonal in shape and consists of plates of hepatocytes radiating outwards from a central vein. These plates are separated by sinusoids, which are lined by endothelial cells and Kupffer cells.

Function

The primary function of the liver lobules is to filter and process the nutrient-rich blood that comes from the digestive tract. The hepatocytes in the lobules perform various functions, including:

• Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
• Detoxification of harmful substances
• Production of bile, which aids in digestion
• Storage of vitamins and minerals

Clinical Significance

Diseases that affect the liver lobules can lead to serious health problems. For example, cirrhosis of the liver involves the replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, which disrupts the normal structure and function of the liver lobules.

See Also

• Liver
• Hepatocyte
• Cirrhosis