Normal functional biology of the liver

Abstract

The liver is a complex multifaceted organ that plays a fundamental role in many processes crucial to bodily function. To accomplish this, the liver is populated with multiple cell types, including hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, stellate cells, endothelial cells, and cells of the immune system (i.e., Kupffer cells). Each cell type performs unique functions essential to the overall performance of the liver. A full treatise of each cell and function is beyond the scope of this chapter. This chapter will outline the cell types and their most important associated functions.