Sinusoid
Sinusoidal capillaries are specialized to permit maximal exchange of macromolecules as well as cells between tissues and the blood. Sinusoids (discontinuous capillaries) have wide lumens, much broader than other capillaries. They also have large gaps or discontinuities between adjacent endothelial cells as well as pores (fenestrations). The basal lamina is interrupted or may be completely absent. Sinusoids are present in the liver (seen here by light and electron microscopy), spleen, some endocrine organs and bone marrow. 1000x, 15,000x
Hepatocytes (liver cells)
Sinusoidal capillaries are specialized to permit maximal exchange of macromolecules as well as cells between tissues and the blood. Sinusoids (discontinuous capillaries) have wide lumens, much broader than other capillaries. They also have large gaps or discontinuities between adjacent endothelial cells as well as pores (fenestrations). The basal lamina is interrupted or may be completely absent. Sinusoids are present in the liver (seen here by light and electron microscopy), spleen, some endocrine organs and bone marrow. 1000x, 15,000x
Sinusoids
Sinusoidal capillaries are specialized to permit maximal exchange of macromolecules as well as cells between tissues and the blood. Sinusoids (discontinuous capillaries) have wide lumens, much broader than other capillaries. They also have large gaps or discontinuities between adjacent endothelial cells as well as pores (fenestrations). The basal lamina is interrupted or may be completely absent. Sinusoids are present in the liver (seen here by light and electron microscopy), spleen, some endocrine organs and bone marrow. 1000x, 15,000x
Discontinuous endothelium
Sinusoidal capillaries are specialized to permit maximal exchange of macromolecules as well as cells between tissues and the blood. Sinusoids (discontinuous capillaries) have wide lumens, much broader than other capillaries. They also have large gaps or discontinuities between adjacent endothelial cells as well as pores (fenestrations). The basal lamina is interrupted or may be completely absent. Sinusoids are present in the liver (seen here by light and electron microscopy), spleen, some endocrine organs and bone marrow. 1000x, 15,000x
Hepatocyte microvilli >
The large space between the discontinuous endothelium and the hepatocytes is occupied by microvilli extending from the apical surface of the hepatocytes. These microvilli provide a large surface area for absorption of blood plasma contents that reach the microvilli via the endothelial discontinuities and pores.
Area show in next image
The large space between the discontinuous endothelium and the hepatocytes is occupied by microvilli extending from the apical surface of the hepatocytes. These microvilli provide a large surface area for absorption of blood plasma contents that reach the microvilli via the endothelial discontinuities and pores.
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