The Gastrointestinal System - The liver

Question 1

What are the two external surfaces of the liver

Answer 1

• External surfaces of the liver can be classified by the structures they lie in close proximity to. There are two liver surfaces – the diaphragmatic and the visceral.

Question 2

What does the diaphragmatic surface refer to and is it covered by the peritoneum?

Answer 2

• Diaphragmatic surface refers to the anterosuperior surface of the liver.
• This surface is not covered by visceral peritoneum, known as the ‘bare area’ of the liver.
• Smooth and convex, fitting snugly beneath the curvature of the diaphragm

Question 3

What covers the posteroinferior aspect of the liver?

What gives it its shape?

Answer 3

The visceral surface

At this surface it is moulded by the shape of the surrounding organs, making it irregular and flat.

Question 4

What are the 4 lobes of the liver?

Answer 4

The liver is divided into 4 lobes: left, right, caudate and quadrate.

Question 5

Describe the structure of the liver

Answer 5

On image

Question 6

Identify the lesser omentum

Answer 6

Identify the lesser omentum (a double layer of peritoneum passing from the porta hepatis to the superior border of the stomach). Verify its attachments.