Hepatocyte (Hep)

Hepatocytes, the major parenchymal cells in the liver, play pivotal roles in metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis. The hepatocytes are the main functional cells of the liver. They are large polygonal epithelial cells, accounting for approximately 80% of the liver mass. Each liver cell surface can be divided into three types: sinusoid surface, liver cell surface, and bile-duct surface. Hepatocytes contain many complex and delicate structures, such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, golgi apparatus, and vacuoles. Hepatocytes have a (sometimes two) circular central nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm rich in organelles that promote protein and lipid synthesis and secretion (rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria).Hepatocytes have lateral and sinusoidal surfaces. Their lateral surfaces come into contact with adjacent liver cells and form a kissing plate. These liver cell plates are arranged radially around a small central vein. In addition, a portion of the lateral surface is modified to form bile-ducts.