Hepatocyte liver cell. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through an hepatocyte liver cell,showing rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER,dark lines),mitochondria (sausage-shaped),lysosomes and peroxisomes (small,round),Golgi membranes (grouped ER) and glycogen (dark granules) dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Hepatocytes are involved with protein,carbohydrate and lipid metabolism,inactivation of alcohol,drugs and hormones,bile formation,and the destruction of harmful bacteria and antigens arriving in the bloodstream from the gut. Magnification: x6,000 when printed 10 centimetres tall |