Question

Describe the macroscopic and microscopic features of the liver anatomy

Macroscopic Structure

Microscopic Organization (Acinus)

Answer 1

The liver has a complex three-dimensional structure formed by epithelial and mesenchymal elements that are organized into repetitive microscopic units. It is a structural and functional organization that allows to evaluate the diffuse pathological processes in small representative biopsy samples.

The microscopic structure can be conceptualized in several ways, but the most common are the acini and the lobe. The acini is a unit that contains a small portal space in the center and terminal hepatic venules in the periphery. It is the smallest functional unit and is divided into three zones; zone 1 surrounds the portal space and zone 3 surrounds the hepatic venule. The blood from the portal space flows through these areas until it reaches the venule, with a decreasing gradient of oxygen and nutrients.