Hepatic lobule

Definition

A hepatic lobule is the fundamental functional unit of the liver, consisting of a hexagonal arrangement of hepatocytes (liver cells) centered around a central vein. This structure supports the liver's roles in metabolism, detoxification, and bile production.

Related terms

Hepatocytes:

These are the primary cells of the liver that carry out numerous metabolic processes, including detoxification and protein synthesis.

Bile:

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps in breaking down fats during digestion in the small intestine.

Central Vein: Located at the center of each hepatic lobule, it collects processed blood from the lobule and returns it to general circulation