Microscopic anatomy of the liver model

The liver is composed of functional units called lobules, which are roughly hexagonal in shape. Each lobule is about 1mm in diameter and is surrounded by connective tissue called the Glisson's capsule. Within each lobule, there are hepatocytes, which are the functional cells of the liver. These cells are arranged in layers called hepatic plates, which radiate out from the central vein of the lobule. Between the hepatic plates are small channels called bile canaliculi, which transport bile produced by the hepatocytes towards the bile ducts. Blood flows into the liver via the hepatic artery and portal vein, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the hepatocytes. Blood then drains out of the liver via the central vein, which eventually joins the hepatic vein and returns blood to the heart. Other cells found in the liver include Kupffer cells, which are specialized macrophages that remove debris and foreign particles from the blood, and stellate cells, which store vitamin A and produce e…