Liver Histology

Liver Anatomgy

The liver is covered by a connective tissue capsule, termed Glisson's
capsule. The connective tissue extends following blood vessels into the
organ, where sinusoids and liver cells become supported by a reticular
fiber meshwork.

Liver Lobule Structure

A liver lobule is a polygon which has portal triads, consisting of
hepatic arteriole, portal venule and bileduct, found at the corners. The
polygon contains the cells of the liver, such as the hepatocytes, and the
structural draining vessels of the sinusoids, a central vein, the bile
canaliculi and the space of Disse. Hepatocytes are binucleated cells,
with polyploid nuclei. Polypoid hepatocytes have large nuclei.

Cirrhotic Liver Histology

The liver contains Ito cells. These cells store and release vitamin A.
In addition, with toxic insults, like alcohol, these cells form
fibroblasts which produce collagen, compressing blood flow through the liver
leading to portal hypertension. The liver becomes filled with collagen.
Also, fatty vacuolation of the cells occurs, pushing nuclei away from
the center of the cell. Mallory bodies, eosinophilic masses of
cytokertain intermediate filaments, can be seen in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes.