Abdomen 2 - Liver Flashcards
what are the two lobes of the liver’s diaphragmatic surface? what divides them?
right and left lobes - divided by the falciform ligament
what is the falciform ligament? what are its functions?
double-layered peritoneal fold that:
- separates the diaphragmatic surface into left and right lobes
- connects liver to the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm
- contains the round ligament (ligamentum teres)
- divides subphrenic recess into left & right
which ligament of the liver connects the liver to the anterior abdominal wall?
falciform ligament
what is the round ligament? embryological significance?
remnant of the umbilical vein (which carried oxygenated blood between the placenta and foetus via the umbilical cord) - contained within the falciform ligament
which ligament of the liver attaches the liver to the diaphragm?
coronary ligament
what is the coronary ligament?
attaches the liver to the diaphragm along the superior border & creates the bare area of the liver
what is the bare area of the liver?
the only part of the liver not covered by peritoneum - it’s the attachment site of the liver to the right diaphragm
what are the triangular ligaments? what do they do?
condensations of the coronary ligament on the lateral edges of the liver - help secure the liver in place
why does the liver require multiple ligaments for support?
it’s a heavy organ - needs multiple peritoneal ligaments to keep it suspended and stable within the abdominal cavity
how many lobes does the visceral surface of the liver have? what are they?
4 - right, left, caudate + quadrate
anatomical relationship between the caudate and quadrate lobes?
caudate is more superoposterior - quadrate is below the caudate lobe
what fissures divide the visceral surface of the liver into 4 lobes?
two sagittal fissures (right and left) & one transverse (porta hepatis) fissure - form an H shape
what is the difference between liver lobes and liver segments?
liver lobes are superficial landmarks
liver segments are functional glandular units of the liver with their own blood supply
what ligament is an embryological remnant of the ductus venosus?
ligamentum venosum
what is the porta hepatis? what structures pass through it?
main entry point of the liver for the portal triad
- hepatic portal vein
- proper hepatic artery
- biliary structures (usually the common bile duct; some variation)
- lymphatics
- autonomic nerves
what major blood vessel lies closely related to the liver?
IVC - lies in the right sagittal fissure of the liver
how does the IVC interact with hepatic circulation?
short hepatic veins (left, right & middle) all drain into IVC = return deoxy. blood from the liver to systemic circulation
function of the ductus venosus before birth?
ductus venosus allowed oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein to bypass the liver, directly entering the IVC and reaching the heart faster
which one of these structures DON’T leave an impression on the left side of the liver’s visceral surface?
A: oesophagus
B: right kidney
C: stomach
D: duodenum
B: right kidney
how do the roles of the hepatic portal vein & hepatic artery differ?
hepatic portal vein = carries deoxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the GI tract to the liver for processing
hepatic artery = supplies the liver with oxygenated blood from systemic circulation
where is the hepatorenal recess? what is its clinical significance?
most posterior potential space in the peritoneal cavity between the liver and right kidney
fluid can accumulate here during peritonitis or with internal bleeding
what is the porta hepatis?
a transverse fissure on the liver’s visceral/inferior surface - main entry/exit point for the portal triad & major lymphatics and nerves
what are liver recesses? why are they clinically important?
potential spaces in the peritoneal cavity where fluid (e.g. blood, pus) can accumulate - important in conditions like peritonitis and internal bleeding
how does the hepatorenal recess drain?
drains the lesser sac via the epiploic/omental foramen
what is the subphrenic recess?
extension of the greater sac - found between the diaphragm and liver & divided into left and right by the falciform ligament
what divides the subphrenic recess into left and right?
falciform ligament
what is a clinical condition associated with the subphrenic recess?
subphrenic abscess
what are the two key liver recesses?
hepatorenal (between the liver and right kidney; most posterior)
subphrenic (between the liver & inferior surface of the diaphragm; separated into right and left by the falciform ligament)
what is the lesser omentum?
double-layered peritoneal fold - connects the lesser curvature of the stomach and proximal duodenum to the liver
functions of the lesser omentum? (2)
connects the lesser curvature of the stomach, proximal duodenum & liver
separates the greater & lesser sacs - allows passage of structures between the stomach, duodenum, and liver
what are the two parts of the lesser omentum? what do they connect?
hepatogastric ligament - connects liver to stomach
hepatoduodenal ligament (free edge) - connects liver to duodenum
what key structure passes through the hepatoduodenal ligament?
portal triad
