A hepatocyte is a cell of the main parenchymal tissue of the liver. Hepatocytes make up 70-85% of the liver's mass. These cells are involved in:

• Protein synthesis 
• Protein storage
• Transformation of carbohydrates
• Synthesis of cholesterol, bile salts and phospholipids
• Detoxification, modification, and excretion of exogenous and endogenous substances
• Initiation of formation and secretion of bile