levervæv
Levervæv, also known as liver tissue, refers to the functional and structural material that makes up the liver. The liver is a vital organ in vertebrates, performing a multitude of metabolic and detoxifying functions. Histologically, levervæv is primarily composed of hepatocytes, which are specialized cells responsible for synthesizing bile, producing proteins, and detoxifying blood. These hepatocytes are arranged in functional units called lobules. Within the lobules, blood flows from the portal vein and hepatic artery through sinusoids, which are small blood vessels lined with endothelial cells and Kupffer cells (macrophages). Bile produced by hepatocytes flows in the opposite direction through bile canaliculi. The liver also contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The remarkable regenerative capacity of levervæv is a key characteristic, allowing the liver to repair itself after injury. Damage to levervæv, whether from toxins, viruses, or other diseases, can lead to impaired liver function and various hepatic conditions.