Liver sinusoid

Liver sinusoid

The liver sinusoid is a type of capillary known as a sinusoidal capillary, that is found in the liver. It is a small, blood vessel with a large diameter that allows for the passage of larger substances, including plasma proteins and lipoprotein particles.

Etymology

The term "sinusoid" comes from the Latin sinus, meaning "bay", "pocket", "curve", or "bosom", and the Greek -oid, meaning "like" or "resembling". This is in reference to the shape and function of the sinusoids, which are curved and pocket-like structures that resemble bays or inlets in the liver.

Structure

Liver sinusoids are lined with two types of cells: endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. Endothelial cells form the lining of the sinusoid, while Kupffer cells are specialized macrophages located in the liver that form part of the mononuclear phagocyte system.

Function

The primary function of the liver sinusoid is to allow for the exchange of materials between the blood and the liver cells. This includes the exchange of nutrients, waste products, and secretions. The sinusoids also play a role in the immune response, as Kupffer cells are able to capture and destroy foreign substances that pass through the sinusoids.

Clinical significance

Damage to the liver sinusoids can lead to a number of medical conditions, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In liver cirrhosis, the sinusoids become scarred and hardened, which can lead to a decrease in liver function. In hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer, the sinusoids can become blocked, leading to a lack of blood flow to the liver cells.

See also

• Hepatic artery
• Hepatic portal vein
• Hepatic vein
• Liver

References

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