Liver - ligaments Flashcards
what are the ligaments that attach the liver to the surrounding structures formed by?
These are formed by a double layer of peritoneum.
what does the falciform ligament attach?
attaches the anterior surface of the liver to the anterior abdominal wall. The free edge of this ligament contains the ligamentum teres, a remnant of the umbilical vein
what does the free edge of the falciform ligament contain?
The free edge of this ligament contains the ligamentum teres, a remnant of the umbilical vein
what do the (left & right) coronary ligaments attach?
attach the superior surface of the liver to the diaphragm.
what do the (left & right) triangular ligaments attach?
attach the superior surface of the liver to the diaphragm.
what does the lesser omentum consist of?
consists of the hepatoduodenal ligament and the hepatogastric ligament
where does the hepatoduodenal ligament extend from?
duodenum to the liver
where does the hepatogastric ligament extend from?
stomach to the liver
what is the posterior surface of the liver secured to?
inferior vena cava
what is the posterior surface of the liver secured to the inferior vena cava by?
hepatic veins and fibrous tissue
what are the hepatic recesses?
spaces between the liver and surrounding structures
why are the hepatic recesses of clinical importance?
infected fluids can collect in these areas, forming an abscess
where is the Subphrenic spaces (left and right) located?
between the diaphragm and liver, either side of the falciform ligament
where is the subhepatic space located?
between the inferior surface of the liver and the transverse colon
where is the Morison’s pouch located?
the posterosuperior aspect of the right subhepatic space, located between the visceral surface of the liver and the right kidney
what is the significance of the Morison’s pouch in terms of the peritoneal cavity? in which position? clinical relevance?
This is the deepest part of the peritoneal cavity when supine (lying flat), and this is where fluid is likely to collect in a bedridden patient
macroscopic view of the surface of the liver: what is the entire liver covered by? what is it known as?
The entire liver is covered by a fibrous layer, known as Glisson’s capsule
how many lobes is the liver divided into?
4
what divides the liver into 4 lobes?
ligaments and surface depressions
what divides the liver into left and right love?
by the attachment of the falciform ligament
what is the falciform ligament?
a fold of peritoneum that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall
what else arises from the right lobe of the liver?
There are two further ‘accessory’ lobes that arise from the right lobe
where are the 2 further ‘accessory’ lobes that arise from the right lobe located?
located on the visceral surface of liver
what are the 2 accessory lobes that arise from the right lobe?
caudate and quadrate lobes
where is the caudate lobe located?
on the upper aspect of the visceral surface
what does the caudate lobe lie between?
it lies between the inferior vena cava and a fossa produced by the ligamentum venosum
what is the ligamentum venosum a remnant of?
a remnant of the fetal ductus venosus
where is the quadrate lobe located?
The quadrate lobe is located on the lower aspect of the visceral surface
what does the quadrate lobe lie between?
It lies between the gallbladder and a fossa produced by the ligamentum teres
what is the ligamentum teres a remnant of?
a remnant of the fetal umbilical vein
what is the porta hepatis?
a deep fissure
where is the porta hepatis located?
Between the caudate and quadrate lobes
what is the function of the porta hepatis?
It transmits all the vessels, nerves and ducts entering or leaving the liver.
microscopic view of liver: what are the cells of the liver known as?
hepatocytes
microscopic view of the liver: how are the hepatocytes arranged?
into lobules
what are lobules?
structural units of the liver
how is each lobule shaped?
Each lobule is hexagonal-shaped
what is each lobule drained by? what is it called?
each lobule is drained by a venule in its center, called a central vein
what is located at the periphery of the hexagon lobules? what are they known as?
three structures collectively known as the portal triad
what are contained within the portal triad?
arteriole, venule, duct
what is the arteriole within the portal triad of the liver lobule a branch of?
a branch of the hepatic artery entering the liver
what is the venule within the portal triad of the liver lobule a branch of?
a branch of the hepatic portal vein entering the liver
what is the duct within the portal triad of the liver lobule a branch of?
branch of the bile duct leaving the liver
what is also contained within the portal triad aside from the arteriole, venule and duct?
The portal triad also contains lymphatic vessels and vagus nerve (parasympathetic) fibres
