Liver Flashcards
(43 cards)
Where is the liver located?
Right hypochondriac (right lobe), epigastric, and left hypochondriac (left lobe)
What are the functions of the liver?
- Carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism
- Inactivation of drugs
- Synthesis and secretion of bile
- Detoxification
- Lymph production
- Blood reservoir
- Storage of vitamins and minerals
- Removal of waste
What divides the left and right lobes of the liver?
- IVC
- Middle hepatic vein, cranially
- Falciform ligament, at the diaphragmatic surface
- Main lobar fissure, caudally
- Gallbladder (within main lobar fissure)
Where does the main lobar fissure extend from?
From right portal vein to the gallbladder
What is the falciform ligament?
The extra-hepatic part of the ligamentum teres; divides the left and right lobes of the liver
What does the falciform ligament connect?
Connects the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and to the diaphragm with the ligamentum teres at its free edge
Do we normally see the falciform ligament on ultrasound?
No, unless the patient has ascites
What is the ligamentum teres?
“Round ligament”. Remnant of fetal umbilical vein (closes after birth); divides the medial from lateral segment of the left lobe
What is the ligamentum teres an extension of?
The left portal vein
The fetal umbilical vein normally closes after birth, but in which case would it recanalize?
Cirrhosis or portal hypertension
How does the ligamentum teres appear on ultrasound?
An echogenic, triangular spot transversely
What is the ligamentum venosum?
Remnant of fetal ductal venosum; separates left lobe anteriorly from caudate lobe posteriorly
How do the ligamentum teres and venosum communicate?
At level of portal vein
How many lobes are there in the liver?
3; right, left, caudate
What is the main lobar fissure?
“Interlobar fissure”; divides left and right lobes caudally
Where does the main lobar fissure extend from?
From right portal vein to the gallbladder
What does the left portal vein divide?
Anterior left lobe from posterior caudate lobe
What is the caudate lobe?
Smallest lobe with its own bile ducts and blood supply, emptying from its posterior aspect directly into IVC
What binds the caudate lobe?
Ligamentum venosum anteriorly and posteriorly by IVC
Which veins are joined by the ligamentum venosum?
Left hepatic and left portal veins
Whats the normal size of the liver?
16cm, maybe 17cm if the patient is very tall
What is it called when the liver is enlarged?
Hepatomegaly
What is the capsule which covers the liver?
Glisson’s capsule
Do we see the main lobar fissure on ultrasound?
Yes, as a thin echogenic line extending from the right portal vein to the gallbladder fossa sagittally