S7) Anatomy for Dissection — Liver, Jejunum, Ileum, Colon Flashcards
Describe the anatomical position of the liver
The liver is located in the right hypochondrium and epigastric areas, extending into the left hypochondrium
There are two surfaces of the liver.
Identify them
- Diaphragmatic surface (anterosuperior surface of the liver)
- Visceral surface (posteroinferior surface of the liver)
The diaphragmatic surface is the anterosuperior surface of the liver.
Describe its structure.
- It is smooth and convex, fitting snugly beneath the curvature of the diaphragm
- A section is not covered by visceral peritoneum (‘bare area’) of the liver
The visceral surface is the posteroinferior surface of the liver.
Describe its structure.
- It is irregular and flat due to the presence of surrounding organs
- It lies in contact with the oesophagus, right kidney, right adrenal gland, right colic flexure, duodenum, gallbladder and the stomach
Describe the superior anatomical relations of the liver
Superior to the liver is the diaphragm (separating the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity)
Describe the anterior anatomical relations of the liver
Anterior to the liver is the anterior abdominal wall and ribcage
Describe the posterior anatomical relations of the liver
Posterior to the liver are the oesophagus, stomach, gallbladder, first part of the duodenum (the foregut-derived organs)
Describe the structure and function of the various ligaments of the liver
- Structure: formed by a double layer of peritoneum
- Function: attach the liver to the surrounding structures
Identify the 5 ligaments of the liver
- Falciform ligament
- Coronary ligaments
- Triangular ligaments
- Hepatoduodenal ligament
- Hepatogastric ligament
Describe the anatomical position of the falciform ligament
- Attaches the anterior surface of the liver to the anterior abdominal wall
- Its free edge contains the ligamentum teres (a remnant of the umbilical vein)
Describe the anatomical position of the coronary ligaments
- Anterior and posterior folds
- Attach the superior surface of the liver to the diaphragm
Describe the anatomical position of the triangular ligaments
- Left and right ligaments
- Attach the superior surface of the liver to the diaphragm
What does the lesser omentum consist of (in relation to the liver)?
- Hepatoduodenal ligament attaches the liver to the duodenum
- Hepatogastric ligament attaches the liver to the stomach
Describe the attachment of the liver to the inferior vena cava
The posterior surface of the liver is secured to the inferior vena cava by hepatic veins and fibrous tissue
What is the name of the fibrous layer covering the liver?
Glisson’s capsule
The liver is divided by the attachment of the falciform ligament.
Identify the individual lobes formed
Two ‘accessory’ lobes that arise from the right lobe, and are located on the visceral surface of liver.
Identify them
- Caudate lobe
- Quadrate lobe
Describe the anatomical position of the caudate lobe of the liver
- Located on the upper aspect of the visceral surface
- Lies between the inferior vena cava and a fossa produced by the ligamentum venosum (a remnant of the fetal ductus venosus)
Describe the anatomical position of the quadrate lobe of the liver
- Located on the lower aspect of the visceral surface
- Lies between the gallbladder and a fossa produced by the ligamentum teres (a remnant of the fetal umbilical vein)
What is the porta hepatis and what does it do?
- The porta hepatis is a deep fissure between the caudate and quadrate lobes
- It transmits almost all the vessels, nerves and ducts entering or leaving the liver
Identify the structures in the porta hepatis
- Right and left hepatic ducts (bile)
- Right and left branches of hepatic artery
- Hepatic portal vein
NB. Porta hepatis doesn’t transmit the hepatic veins