hepatocyte A specialized epithelial cell that is the most abundant type of cell in the liver. Hepatocytes are arranged around a central vein in units called lobules, in close association with branches of the hepatic portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile canaliculi. They are involved with the various functions of the liver, including metabolism, detoxification, and the production of bile. See also Kupffer cells.

hepatocyte (hip-at-oh-syt) n. the principal cell type in the liver: a large cell with many metabolic functions, including synthesis, storage, detoxification, and bile production.