HISTOLOGY OF LIVER. 



325 



<close to the vertebral column, and there open into the infe- 

 rior yena cava, Vc, just before it passes up through the 

 diaphragm. 



The Structure of the Iiiver. On closely examining 

 the surface of the liver, it will be seen to be marked out 

 into small angular areas from one to two millimeters (^ 

 to -^ inch) in diameter. These are the outer sides of the 

 superficial layer of a vast number of minute polygonal 

 masses, or lobules, of which the liver is built up; similar 

 -areas .are seen on the surface, of any section made through 

 the organ. Each lobule (Fig. 101) consists of a number of 



Fia. 101. A lobule of the liver, magnified, showing the hepatic cells radiately 

 arranged around the central intralobular vein, and the lobular capillaries inter- 

 laced with them. 



cells supported by a close network of capillaries; 

 and is separated from neighboring lobules by connective 

 tissue, larger blood-vessels, and branches of the hepatic 

 duct. The hepatic cells are the proper tissue elements of 

 (the liver, all the rest being subsidiary arrangements for 

 their nutrition and protection. Each is polygonal, nucle- 

 ated and very granular, and has a diameter of about .025 

 millimeter (J-^-Q ^ an inch). In each lobule they are ar- 

 ranged in rows or strings, which intercommunicate and 

 iorni a network, in the meshes of which the blood capilla- 



