Liver Anatomy Flashcards
(16 cards)
Where is the liver located?
In the right upper quadrant of the abdomen where it is protected by the rib cage and diaphragm. Lies deep to ribs 7-11 on the right side and cross the midline towards the left nipple.
So it occupies most of the right hypochondrium, upper epigastrium and extends into the left hypochondrium.
How does the liver position change when standing?
Located more inferiorly due to gravity.
What are the surfaces of the liver?
Liver has a convex diaphragmatic surface (anterior, superior and some posterior) and a relatively flat or even concave visceral surface (posteroinferior). They are separated anteriorly by its sharp inferior border that follows the right costal margin inferior to the diaphragm.
What are the subphrenic recesses and where are they found?
They are superior extensions of the peritoneal cavity (great sac) which exist between the diaphragm and the anterior and superior aspects of the diaphragmatic surface of the liver.
What are the subphrenic recesses separated by?
Separated by the falciform ligament (which extends betwee the liver and the anterior abdominal wall) into left and right recesses.
What is the subhepatic space?
The portion of the supracolic compartment of the peritoneal cavity immediately inferior to the liver.
Where is the round ligament or ligamentum teres found and what is it a remnant of?
Contained within the falciform ligament and is the embryonic remnant of the umbilical vein.
What area of the liver is not covered with visceral peritoneum?
The bare area of the liver which is on the posterior surface.
What travels along the bare area of the liver?
There is a deep groove which allows the inferior vena cava to travel along.
What do the coronary ligaments do?
Attach the superior surface of the liver to the diaphragm.
What do the triangular ligaments do?
Attach the superior surface of the liver to the diaphragm.
What is the porta hepatis?
A transverse fissure where vessels (hepatic portal vein, hepatic artery and lymphatics) that supply and drain the liver enter and leave.
How is the surface of the visceral surface different to the diaphragmatic surface?
Visceral has many fissures and impressions from contact with other organs. Diaphragmatic is smooth.
What organs is the visceral surface in contact with?
The oesophagus, right kidney, right adrenal gland, right colic flexure, duodenum, gallbladder and stomach.
How is the liver split into lobes?
The attachment of the falciform ligament splits the liver into the right and left lobe.
On the visceral surface, the right and left sagittalfissures split the right lobe with the porta hepatis into the quadrate and caudate lobe.
Which lobe is the caudate and which lobe is the quadrate?
Quadrate is anterior and inferior (bottom one)
Caudate is posterior and superior (top one)
