476 LIVER. [CHAP, xxxin. 



tube in which the cells are contained can be seen in some parts of 

 the lobule, separated from that of the capillary vessels.* 



The liver cells may be broken down in some specimens, and the 

 tubular membrane contain only granular matter suspended in 

 fluid, as represented in Fig. 227 c. 



The peculiar and characteristic cells of which the substance of 

 the liver is chiefly composed, are of a more or less spheroidal 

 form, but often somewhat flattened and many-sided from mutual 

 compression. 



They vary from the ^-5- to the -fa -$ of an inch in diameter, 

 and sometimes even smaller. Their surface is smooth, and their 

 outline distinct and well-defined. Each contains a distinct nucleus 

 in the interior, and occasionally cells may be observed with two 

 nuclei. In the nucleus a highly refracting nucleolus, with several 

 granules, can usually be distinguished. 



The contents of the cell appear to be of a firm viscid consistence, 

 so that when pressed between glass, the contents do not escape 

 suddenly, but the whole cell becomes flattened. Usually there 

 are, in the interior, several oil globules, which, as regards size and 

 number, are subject to great variations. In some cells the entire 

 cavity is occupied by globules, in others not one can be observed ; 

 besides oil globules, distinguished by their light centre and dark 

 well-defined outline, the cell contains in its interior numerous 

 amorphous granules, which may vary in size from a scarcely visible 

 dot to a particle as large as a blood globule, or even larger. 

 Granules of a bright yellow colour, composed of biliary colouring 

 matter, are often met with, but do not occur constantly. In cases 

 of jaundice from obstruction of the duct, the number and size of 

 these coloured particles often increase to an enormous extent, so 

 that the cell appears to be entirely occupied with them, and in 

 extreme cases no distinct cells whatever can be detected. 



In highly fed animals, and in that condition termed fatty 

 degeneration of the liver, so common in cases of phthisis, the cells 

 seem almost entirely occupied by large oil globules, without any 

 coloured particles. The cells at the portal aspect of the lobule 

 usually contain most oil, while those in the centre contain a 

 greater number of coloured granules, but frequently these yellow 

 granules are present in the cells in both situations. 



In dilute caustic soda, or potash, the cells swell up and become 

 pale, and of a more rounded form ; after a short time they are dis- 



* These specimens were prepared by injecting the ducts with Prussian 

 blue, and the portal vessels with plain size. 



