Definition
noun, plural: hepatocytes
Any of the large, polygonal-shaped cells in the liver.
Supplement
Hepatocytes are the major functional component of the liver. They make up 70-80% of the mass of the liver.
They are parenchyma cells arranged in plates that anastomose with one another. Most of them have a single nucleus although binucleate cells are also not uncommon. They also have abundant rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, as well as stacks of Golgi membrane, which are necessary for their function.
They perform various functions such as synthesis of proteins and lipids for secretion, storage and transformation of carbohydrates (e.g. glycogen into glucose), synthesis of cholesterol, bile salts and phospholipids, and detoxification, modification and excretion of exogenous and endogenous substances.
Word origin: Greek hépat-, s. of hêpar liver + New Latin –cyta, from Greek kutos, hollow vessel.
Synonym: liver cell.
See also: liver.
Dictionary > Hepatocyte
You will also like...
![Population Regulation in an Ecosystem](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Population-Regulation-in-an-Ecosystem-253x168.jpg)
Population Regulation in an Ecosystem
With regard to the population size of a species and what factors may affect them, two factors have been defined. They ar..
![Pikas are an indicator species for climate change](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Indicator-Species-and-Endangered-Species-252x168.jpg)
Indicator Species and Endangered Species
Certain species are capable of expressing characteristics indicative of the state of the ecosystem they occupy. They are..
![Carbohydrates, fats and proteins - dietary sources](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/A-Balanced-Diet-Carbohydrates-and-Fat-252x168.jpg)
A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat
Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..
![primitive arthropods](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Arthropods-300x150.jpg)
Arthropods
The arthropods were assumed to be the first taxon of species to possess jointed limbs and exoskeleton, exhibit more adva..
![Digestion and Absorption of Food](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Digestion-and-Absorption-of-Food-224x168.jpg)
Digestion and Absorption of Food
The gastrointestinal system breaks down particles of ingested food into molecular forms by enzymes through digestion and..
![Homeostatic Mechanisms and Cellular Communication](https://www.biologyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Homeostatic-Mechanisms-and-Cellular-Communication-259x168.jpg)
Homeostatic Mechanisms and Cellular Communication
Homeostasis is the relatively stable conditions of the internal environment that result from compensatory regulatory res..