Anatomy, function and aging in the mouse liver

A brief overview is given of the embryology, gross and microscopic anatomy and sinusoidal lining cells of the mouse liver. The handling of xenobiotics is also considered. So called phase I and II reactions are of major importance. Furthermore, heterogeneity of metabolism occurs in the different zones of the hepatic acinus. Finally, some of the manifest pathological changes are discussed. Despite the occurrence of these changes there is still no clearcut evidence that liver function declines with age.