What cells in the liver perform the metabolic functions of the liver? Kupffer cells phagocytic cells hepatocytes biliary epithelial cells

Breakdown of the Question

1. Identify the specific functions being referred to in the liver.
2. List the types of cells mentioned in the options.
3. Determine which cell type is responsible for the primary metabolic functions of the liver.

Relevant Concepts

• The liver performs various functions including metabolism, detoxification, and bile production.
• Different cells in the liver have specialized roles in these processes.

Analysis of Options

1. Kupffer cells: These are specialized macrophages located in the liver that are involved in the immune response and phagocytosis.
2. Phagocytic cells: This is a general term for cells that perform phagocytosis. While Kupffer cells are a type of phagocytic cell, they are not primarily responsible for metabolic functions.
3. Hepatocytes: These are the main functional cells of the liver and are involved in various metabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, cholesterol, and glycogen; detoxification of substances; and the production of bile.
4. Biliary epithelial cells: These are involved in the secretion of bile but do not carry out the metabolic functions of the liver.

Verify and Summarize

Based on the analysis, hepatocytes are the primary cells in the liver that perform its metabolic functions. Therefore, the correct answer is hepatocytes.

Final Answer

The cells in the liver that perform the metabolic functions of the liver are hepatocytes.