Structural Units
Most often, there are point mutations in α- or β-spectrin that interfere with the formation of spectrin heterodimers into tetramers, the primary structural unit of the membrane skeleton
Structural Units
- Lobule : Hexagonal structure with a central vein in the middle and portal triads at the periphery.
- Acinus : Functional unit based on microcirculation.
- Portal Triad : Contains a bile duct, hepatic artery branch, and portal vein branch.
- Central Vein : Tributary of the hepatic vein.
Read this in Liver Histology, Physiology and Pathology — Notes
What our notes say
- Most often, there are point mutations in α- or β-spectrin that interfere with the formation of spectrin heterodimers into tetramers, the primary structural unit of the membrane skeleton (Haemolytic Anaemias)
- The short structural units of a myofibril are known as: (Medical Biochemistry: Specialized Tissues and Exercise Metabolism — Notes)
- The interaction between DNA and histones is crucial for forming the basic structural unit of chromatin: the nucleosome. (Tertiary Structure of DNA — Notes)
- | Structural unit | Follicles filled with colloid | Cords and clusters of cells | (Master First-Year Anatomy: Must-Know Essays & Key Concepts — Study Notes)
- ### Structural Units - Lobule = hexagonal, central vein in middle, portal triads at periphery - Acinus = functional unit based on microcirculation - Portal triad contains: bile duct + hepatic artery + portal vein branch - Central vein = tributary of hepatic vein (Liver Histology and Physiology: Structural Units and Acinar Zones — Notes)
- Structural Units - Lobule = hexagonal, central vein in middle, portal triads at periphery - Acinus = functional unit based on microcirculation - Portal triad contains: bile duct + hepatic artery + portal vein branch - Central vein = tributary of hepatic vein (Liver Histology and Physiology: Structural Units and Acinar Zones — Notes)
Study material on Structural Units
- Liver Histology and Physiology: Structural Units and Acinar Zones — Notes
- Weekly Liver Histology and Physiology Exam - March 7, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Structural Units
What is the structural unit of the liver characterized by a hexagonal shape with a central vein in the middle?
- Acinus
- Lobule
- Portal Canal
- Hepatic Cord
Answer: B. The lobule is the structural unit of the liver, typically hexagonal with a central vein at its center and portal triads at the periphery.
The structural unit 'Hepatic Lobule' focuses on:
- Oxygen gradients
- Bile secretion
- Metabolic activity
- Vascular drainage
Answer: D. The hepatic lobule is centered around the central vein, emphasizing the drainage of blood.