hepatosyyteissä

Hepatocyteissa is the Finnish word for hepatocytes. Hepatocytes are the main functional cells of the liver. They make up about 70-80% of the liver's mass. These cells are polygonal in shape and have one or two nuclei.

Hepatocytes are responsible for a vast array of metabolic functions essential for the body. They play a critical role in synthesizing bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. They also produce plasma proteins, such as albumin, which maintain osmotic pressure, and clotting factors necessary for blood coagulation.

Furthermore, hepatocytes are central to carbohydrate metabolism, storing glucose as glycogen and releasing it when blood glucose levels drop. They are also involved in lipid metabolism, synthesizing cholesterol and triglycerides, and processing fatty acids. Detoxification is another vital function; hepatocytes metabolize and neutralize harmful substances, including drugs, toxins, and metabolic waste products like ammonia, converting it into urea for excretion.

Hepatocytes are organized into functional units called lobules, where they are arranged in cords radiating from a central vein. They receive blood from both the hepatic artery and the portal vein, facilitating their numerous metabolic tasks. The remarkable regenerative capacity of hepatocytes allows the liver to recover from significant injury.