Liver Lobule I

Description

A 3D model of the classic hepatic lobule, the fundamental structural unit of the liver. The hexagonal lobule centers on a central vein, with portal triads at each corner containing branches of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct. Hepatocyte plates radiate from the central vein outward like spokes, separated by hepatic sinusoids where blood flows from the portal triads toward the center. Blood from the portal vein and hepatic artery mixes in the sinusoids, bathing the hepatocytes before draining into the central vein. Bile flows in the opposite direction, from hepatocytes through bile canaliculi toward the portal triad bile ducts. This countercurrent arrangement is the basis of liver metabolic function. Liver lobule anatomy is taught in histology, hepatology, and pathology courses. Understanding the lobular architecture explains patterns of injury in conditions like centrilobular necrosis and portal fibrosis. Medical advisory board reviewed. Ready for rendering, real-time, and 3D printing.