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"The hepatic lobules are the structural and functional units of the liver containing hepatic cells arranged in the form of cords. "

My textbook says that the hepatic lobule is the structural and functional unit of the liver. I'm confused as to why don't call hepatocytes the structural and functional unit of the liver instead, as they are the actual units secreting phospholipids, bilirubin and other components of the bile juice.

I framed this answer based on my understanding, please verify if I'm right or not and do suggest improvements-
"Properties of the hepatic lobule are not present in hepatocytes, they arise due to the interaction of hepatocytes. Therefore, hepatocytes on their own, cannot be termed as a functional and structural unit of the liver"

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    $\begingroup$ Who is "it"? What are the functions of the liver? There is more than one. $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Aug 3, 2022 at 0:00
  • $\begingroup$ "It" refers to my books and teachers. They say that a single hepatic lobule is capable of performing all the designated functions of a liver. But that doesn't make sense to me, aren't hepatocytes capable of doing all of them in the first place?? $\endgroup$
    – Shreya
    Aug 3, 2022 at 10:24
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    $\begingroup$ My question about "It" was meant to prod you into citing your source. A bit of research on your part is expected. No, a hepatocyte can't perform all the functions of the liver. Why would I ask that question if you were correct? $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Aug 3, 2022 at 11:45
  • $\begingroup$ Welcome to Biology.SE. The Biology.SE community has agreed that questions that show little or no prior research effort are off-topic on this site as are "homework" questions unless you have shown your attempt at an answer. Please edit your question and tell us where you've looked for answers, what you do know about the topic, and where exactly you still have questions. Under researched questions may be subject to down-voting and closure. Please take the tour and consult the help center starting with How to Ask for details. $\endgroup$
    – tyersome
    Aug 3, 2022 at 18:44
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    $\begingroup$ Related question: biology.stackexchange.com/questions/89056/functional-unit $\endgroup$
    – Mesentery
    Aug 4, 2022 at 16:37

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