Liver Flashcards
what is the liver an organ of?
The liver is an accessory organ of the gastrointestinal tract
what type of organ is the liver and where is the liver positioned?
It is a peritoneal organ, positioned in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
what size is the liver in the abdo cavity?
the largest visceral structure in the abdominal cavity
what are the functions of the liver?
The liver performs a wide range of functions, including synthesis of bile, glycogen storage and clotting factor production
where is the liver located and where does it extend to?
The liver is located in the right hypochondrium and epigastric areas, extending into the left hypochondrium.
where does the liver form during embryological development?
During embryological development, the liver is formed within part of the ventral mesentery, which suspends the foregut organs from the anterior abdominal wall
what does the liver within the ventral mesentery suspend?
suspends the foregut organs from the anterior abdominal wall
what is anterior to the liver?
anterior abdominal wall and ribcage
what is superior to the liver?
the diaphragm
what does the diaphragm separate?
the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity
what is situated posterior to the liver?
oesophagus, stomach, gallbladder, first part of the duodenum (the foregut-derived organs)
how can the external surfaces of the liver be classified?
by the structures they lie in close proximity to.
what are the 2 surfaces of the liver?
the diaphragmatic and the visceral
what does the diaphragmatic surface refer to?
refers to the anterosuperior surface of the liver
what is the diaphragmatic surface like?
It is smooth and convex
where does the diaphragmatic fit?
fitting snugly beneath the curvature of the diaphragm
what is the ‘bare area’ of the liver?
A section of the liver surface not covered by visceral peritoneum
what does the visceral surface cover?
The visceral surface covers the posteroinferior aspect of the liver.
how is the visceral surface moulded? how does it make the visceral surface?
It is moulded by the shape of the surrounding organs, making it irregular and flat.
what does the visceral surface lie in contact with?
It lies in contact with the oesophagus, right kidney, right adrenal gland, right colic flexure, duodenum, gallbladder and the stomach.
