THE LIVER 



149 



The substance of the interior of the liver is composed of hepatic 

 cells, grouped in lobules, with a multitude of blood-vessels, lym- 

 phatics and nerves, supported by connective tissue. 



FIG. 112. THE ABDOMINAL ORGANS. (Gerrish, ajter Testut.) 

 The liver is turned upward to show the inferior surface with the gall-bladder. 

 The vessels entering and leaving the porta are also seen, the lesser omentum having 

 been removed. 



An hepatic lobule measures only about a millimeter (^V of an inch) in 

 width. Between its cells there is a fine network of hepatic and portal blood- 

 vessels, and lymph spaces; also bile passages. The blood-vessels empty into 

 hepatic veins; the lymph spaces form lymph vessels, and the bile passages 

 lead to small bile ducts which unite and reunite to form the hepatic ducts. 



