The anatomical qualities of the liver during the various stages of its functional activities

Abstract

The liver has a rhythmic function with alternating assimilatory and secretory stages. The height of the assimilatory stage in rabbit's liver is characterized by the following qualities: All the cells are usually expanded and contain much glycogen and few bile components. The bile capillaries are narrow and generally empty. The glycogen content is high (about 13 per cent); the total glycogen weight is also high (about 17 grams). The liver has a relatively heavy weight (about 140 grams), a large volume, notably firm consistency, and a light brown color. The secretory stage at its height has the following characteristics: All cells are shrunken and are rich in bile components, but contain little glycogen. The bile capillaries are expanded and filled with secretion (fixation with barium chloride). The glycogen content is low (about 1 per cent), and the total glycogen weight is also low (about 1/2 gram). Weight of liver low (about 50 grams). Volume small and consistency fairly flaccid. Color dark reddish brown. Between these two extremes are various intermediary stages. Such variations as these probably occur during the normal functioning of the liver in man and also in other animals.