Hepatocyte

/ˈhɛpətəˌsaɪt/ noun

Definition

A liver cell that performs most of the chemical and metabolic functions of the liver.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepar' (liver) + '-cyte' (cell). The term became standard in the 20th century as cell biology developed and researchers could isolate and study individual liver cells.

Kelly Says

Hepatocytes are metabolic powerhouses that can perform over 500 different functions—from making proteins to storing nutrients to breaking down toxins—making them among the most chemically versatile cells in your entire body.

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