Video - Liver histology

The liver consists of thousands of hepatic lobules, which on microscopic examination are identified by their prominent central vein, as well as a slightly pale central portion of the lobule compared to the edges of the lobules. On corners of lobules lie portal triads, each containing a portal venule, hepatic arteriole, and bile duct. Venules can be identified by their large lumen and thin wall, as opposed to arterioles that have a thicker wall and a smaller diameter. The bile duct is identified by its simple cuboidal epithelium. The main cells of the liver parenchyma are hepatocytes. These are large polygonal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and basophilic nuclei.