1. A liver cell; the primary functional cell type of the liver responsible for metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis.
Usage: technical; biology/medicine

Examples

• Hepatocytes make up about 80% of the liver's cell mass.
• The hepatocyte is responsible for producing most of the blood proteins, including albumin.
• Damage to hepatocytes can lead to liver disease and impaired metabolic function.
• Researchers cultured hepatocytes in the laboratory to study drug metabolism.
• Hepatocytes contain numerous mitochondria to support their high metabolic activity.
• The hepatocyte's ability to detoxify harmful substances is crucial for protecting the body.