Besides hepatocytes, the liver contains several other important cell types:
Kupffer cells – specialized macrophages that reside in the sinusoids and are responsible for phagocytosing pathogens and debris. Stellate cells (also known as Ito cells) – these cells store vitamin A and can transform into myofibroblasts in response to liver injury, contributing to fibrosis. Endothelial cells – they line the sinusoids and are characterized by their fenestrations, allowing for the easy exchange of substances between the blood and hepatocytes. Bile duct cells (cholangiocytes) – these cells line the bile ducts and are involved in the transport of bile produced by hepatocytes.
