Hepatocyte liver cell. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through a healthy hepatocyte liver cell, showing mitochondria (light, round), and glycogen granules (dark specks). Hepatocytes are involved with protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, inactivation of alcohol, drugs and hormones, bile formation, and the destruction of harmful bacteria and antigens arriving in the bloodstream from the gut. Magnification: x3450 when printed 10 centimetres wide.