ABSTRACT
The cells of the liver are known as hepatocytes. Hepatocytes are arranged into columns of cells that, when cut in cross-section, have a roughly hexagonal shape. Each column (a liver lobule) is drained of blood by a central vein, and supplied with blood by six branches of the hepatic portal vein and the hepatic artery. Each liver lobule is drained of bile by six biliary ducts. Thus from a secretory standpoint, the hepatic lobule is not the functional unit of the liver. The liver is supplied with blood with low oxygen content because 80% of blood flow comes from the hepatic portal vein. The liver is perfused by specialized capillaries known as sinusoids, which are extremely leaky; this allows the liver to secrete proteins into the blood and to destroy abnormal blood cells.
