What is the space of Disse in the liver?

• A. The narrow space between hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelium; site of exchange between plasma and hepatocytes.
• B. The lumen of bile canaliculi formed by adjacent hepatocytes.
• C. The interlobular connective tissue surrounding portal triads.
• D. The space within sinusoids containing Kupffer cells.

Answer: (A)

The space of Disse is the perisinusoidal region between hepatocytes and the fenestrated lining of liver sinusoids. This narrow compartment is where exchange between blood plasma and hepatocytes occurs; nutrients, hormones, and other solutes pass through the sinusoidal endothelium and its surrounding extracellular space to be taken up by hepatocytes. Hepatocytes facing this space have microvilli that increase the surface area for absorption and secretion. The space is also where hepatic stellate (Ito) cells reside, storing vitamin A and, when activated, contributing to the extracellular matrix. Bile canaliculi are the tiny ducts formed by adjacent hepatocytes that collect bile, the connective tissue around portal triads constitutes the portal area, and Kupffer cells line the sinusoids rather than residing in the space of Disse.