noun
- The main functional cells of the liver that perform metabolic, synthetic, and detoxification functions.
Usage: plural form; singular is hepatocyte; medical/scientific term; commonly used in biology, medicine, and pharmacology
Examples
- Hepatocytes are responsible for producing most of the proteins found in blood plasma.
- The drug was tested on cultured hepatocytes to assess its potential toxicity.
- Hepatocytes store glucose as glycogen and release it when the body needs energy.
- Damage to hepatocytes can result in liver disease and impaired metabolic function.
- Researchers isolated hepatocytes from liver tissue to study their response to different medications.