What are the structural units of the liver called?

The structural units of the liver are called liver lobules. These lobules are fundamental in maintaining the liver's complex functions, including metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis of various proteins. Each lobule is made up of hepatocytes, which are the liver cells responsible for performing many of the liver's key functions. The organization of these lobules allows for efficient blood flow and nutrient processing, as they are arranged around a central vein with portal triads located at the periphery.

In contrast, nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys involved in filtering blood and producing urine. Glomeruli, which are part of nephrons, specifically deal with the filtration of blood. Alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Each of these structures serves a distinct purpose in different organ systems, underscoring the liver lobule's unique role in hepatic function.