Endoderm cells form hepatocytes arranged in what pattern?

Endoderm cells form hepatocytes arranged in what pattern?

• A. Nests
• B. Cords
• C. Sheets
• D. Tubules

Answer: (B)

Hepatocytes derived from endoderm organize into cords (hepatic cords) rather than forming clusters or sheets. These one- to two-cell-thick strands run between sinusoids, creating a network that maximizes contact with blood for rapid exchange of nutrients, toxins, and metabolites. This cord-like arrangement underlies the liver’s lobular architecture, where cords radiate from portal regions toward the central vein and sinusoidal spaces sit between them. Nests would imply isolated clusters, sheets suggest a continuous layer, and tubules imply duct-like tubes—none of which capture the true parenchymal pattern of hepatocytes in the developing liver.

Hepatocytes derived from endoderm organize into cords (hepatic cords) rather than forming clusters or sheets. These one- to two-cell-thick strands run between sinusoids, creating a network that maximizes contact with blood for rapid exchange of nutrients, toxins, and metabolites. This cord-like arrangement underlies the liver’s lobular architecture, where cords radiate from portal regions toward the central vein and sinusoidal spaces sit between them. Nests would imply isolated clusters, sheets suggest a continuous layer, and tubules imply duct-like tubes—none of which capture the true parenchymal pattern of hepatocytes in the developing liver.