Which liver cell type is derived from mesoderm and breaks down toxic matter?

Which liver cell type is derived from mesoderm and breaks down toxic matter?

• A. Hepatocytes
• B. Stellate cells
• C. Endothelial cells
• D. Kupffer cells

Answer: (D)

Kupffer cells are the liver’s resident macrophages that line the liver sinusoids and perform phagocytosis of pathogens, debris, and toxic particles as blood passes through the liver. They originate from mesodermal hematopoietic precursors (the monocyte lineage), so their setup is geared toward immune defense and cleanup of harmful matter in the bloodstream. This makes them the best fit for a cell type derived from mesoderm that breaks down toxic matter. Hepatocytes come from endoderm and handle metabolism and detox at the cellular level rather than primarily breaking down toxins via phagocytosis. Endothelial cells line the sinusoidal vessels and scaffold the vasculature, while Stellate (Ito) cells store vitamin A and can contribute to fibrogenesis; neither is the main toxin-degrading phagocyte like Kupffer cells.

Kupffer cells are the liver’s resident macrophages that line the liver sinusoids and perform phagocytosis of pathogens, debris, and toxic particles as blood passes through the liver. They originate from mesodermal hematopoietic precursors (the monocyte lineage), so their setup is geared toward immune defense and cleanup of harmful matter in the bloodstream. This makes them the best fit for a cell type derived from mesoderm that breaks down toxic matter.

Hepatocytes come from endoderm and handle metabolism and detox at the cellular level rather than primarily breaking down toxins via phagocytosis. Endothelial cells line the sinusoidal vessels and scaffold the vasculature, while Stellate (Ito) cells store vitamin A and can contribute to fibrogenesis; neither is the main toxin-degrading phagocyte like Kupffer cells.