Final answer:
The liver contains hepatocytes, which handle a range of metabolic functions, and Kupffer cells, which are involved in the immune response. These cells work together to maintain liver homeostasis and overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The liver primarily consists of two main types of cells: hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Hepatocytes make up about 80% of the liver's volume and are responsible for a variety of functions including metabolic, secretory, and endocrine processes. Kupffer cells, on the other hand, act as immune cells within the liver, playing a crucial role in breaking down and recycling red blood cells and bacteria.
Hepatocytes are arranged in plates called hepatic laminae, which extend from the portal vein within each hepatic lobule. They carry enzymes and co-factors that are essential for drug metabolism, resembling conditions found in vivo, although they have a limited lifespan. Kupffer cells are rooted within the hepatic sinusoids and contribute to the liver's defensive mechanisms. The combined actions of hepatocytes and Kupffer cells ensure that the liver fulfills its diverse and numerous physiological roles.