The liver contains four major types of cells that work together to maintain its functions.
Major Liver Cell Types
Here's a breakdown of the primary cell types found within the liver:
| Cell Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Hepatocytes (HCs) | The main functional cells of the liver, responsible for metabolic processes, detoxification, and protein synthesis. |
| Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs) | Play a role in vitamin A storage, extracellular matrix production, and liver fibrosis. |
| Kupffer Cells (KCs) | Resident macrophages of the liver, which are phagocytic immune cells that remove pathogens and cellular debris. |
| Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells (LSECs) | Specialized endothelial cells lining liver sinusoids, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange. |
Roles and Importance
- Hepatocytes: These are the workhorses of the liver, handling most of the organ's metabolic duties. They process nutrients, detoxify substances, and produce essential proteins.
- Hepatic Stellate Cells: While typically in a quiescent state, they become activated during liver injury. Activated HSCs can play a role in fibrosis.
- Kupffer Cells: These immune cells are vital for liver defense, constantly monitoring for and engulfing harmful substances or pathogens that enter the liver.
- Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells: These specialized cells allow for efficient exchange between the bloodstream and liver cells, a critical function for the liver.
These four cell types — hepatocytes (HCs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer cells (KCs), and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs)— work together in a coordinated manner to keep the liver functioning properly. They cooperate both spatially and temporally to maintain the structure and function of the liver.
