. 



LOBULES OF THE LIVER. 



1. The Lobules are small granular bodies, of about the size of a 

 millet seed, of an irregular form, and presenting a number of 

 rounded projecting processes upon their surface. When divided 

 longitudinally, they have a foliated appearance, and transversely, a 

 polygonal outline, with sharp or rounded angles, according to the 

 smaller or greater quantity of Glisson's capsule contained in the 

 liver. Each lobule is divided upon its exterior into a base and a 

 capsular surface. The base corresponds with one extremity of the 

 lobule, is flattened, and rests upon an hepatic vein, which is thence 

 named sublobular. The capsular surface includes the rest of the 

 periphery of the lobule, and has received its designation from being 

 enclosed in a cellular capsule derived from the capsule of Glisson. 

 In the centre of each lobule is a small vein, the intralobular, which 

 is formed by the convergence of six or eight minute venules from 

 the rounded processes situated upon the surface. The intralobular 

 vein thus constituted takes its course through the centre of the lon- 

 gitudinal axis of the lobule, pierces the middle of its base, and 

 opens into the sublobular vein. The circumference of the lobule, 

 with the exception of its base, which is always closely attached to 

 a sublobular vein, is connected by means of its cellular capsule with 

 the capsular surface of surrounding lobules. The cellular interval 

 between the lobules is the interlobular fissure, and the angular inter- 

 stices formed by the apposition of several lobules are the interlobular 

 spaces. 



Fig. 155 * 



The lobules of the centre of the liver are angular, and somewhat 

 smaller than those of the surface, from the greater compression to 

 which they are submitted. The superficial lobules are incomplete, 

 and give to the surface of the organ the appearance, and all the 

 advantages resulting from an examination of a transverse section. 



* The lobules of the liver. A. The lobules as they are seen upon the surface of the 

 liver, or when divided transversely. 1. The intralobular vein in the centre of each 

 lobule. 2. The interlobular fissure. 3. The interlobular space. B. A longitudinal 

 section of two lobules. 1. A superficial lobule, terminating abruptly, and resembling 

 a section at its exlremity. 2. A deep lobule, showing the foliated appearance of its 

 section. 3. The intralobular vein, with its converging venules ; the vein terminates in 

 a sublobular vein. 4. The external, or capsular surlace of the lobule. 



