Hepatic stellate cell. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Hepatic stellate cell ( HSC), also known as perisinusoidal cells or Ito cells (earlier lipocytes or fat-storing cells). These pericytes are found in the perisinusoidal space of the liver, also known as the space of Disse (a small area between the sinusoids and hepatocytes). The stellate cell is the major cell type involved in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which is the formation of scar tissue in response to liver damage. Magnification: x1300 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. Specimen courtesy of the Maini Lab. UCL