Hepatic stellate cell in the cell body store vitamin A as retinol ester. The function and role of quiescent hepatic stellate cells is unclear. Recent evidence suggests a role as a liver-resident antigen-presenting cell, presenting lipid antigens to and stimulating proliferation of NKT cells. When the liver is damaged, stellate cells can change into an "activated" state. The activated stellate cell is characterized by proliferation, contractility, and chemotaxis. This state of the stellate cell is the main source of extracellular matrix production in liver injury. This attribute makes it a key factor in the pathophysiology of the liver. The amount of stored vitamin
Organ (anatomy) it is called an organ system. The adjective "visceral", also "splanchnic", is used for anything pertaining to the internal organs. Historically, viscera of animals were examined by Roman pagan priests like the haruspices or the augurs in order to divine the future by their shape, dimensions or other factors. This practice remains an important ritual in some remote, tribal societies. The term "visceral" is contrasted with the term "", meaning "of or relating to the wall of a body part, organ or cavity" The two terms are often used in describing a membrane or piece of connective tissue, referring to