ScienceSeptember 6, 2026

hepatocytes

HEP-uh-toh-sites

Definition

The primary functional cells of the liver, responsible for various metabolic, detoxification, and protein synthesis processes.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'hepar', meaning liver, and 'kytos', meaning vessel or cell, reflecting their status as the main cell type of the liver.

In the news

The article mentions that constant activation of the GP130 signaling pathway can trigger the transformation of these liver cells, potentially leading to cancerous growth.

Garlic compound blocks key signal, triggering gastric cancer cell death

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

Related words

actin

A protein that forms microfilaments in cells, playing a crucial role in maintaining cell…

Science

ambidexterity

The ability to use both the right and left hands with equal ease or proficiency.

Science

anaphase

The specific stage of cell division during which chromosomes are separated and pulled…

Science

antiproliferative

Acting to inhibit or suppress the growth and multiplication of cells, specifically…

Science

apoptotic

Relating to or involving apoptosis, which is a process of programmed cell death in which…

Science

asepsis

The state of being free from living pathogenic microorganisms or the methods used to…

Science

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.