The Liver Flashcards
What is the anatomical position of the liver?
The liver is predominantly located in the right hypochondrium and epigastric areas, and extends into the left hypochondrium.
describe the falciform ligament
- sickle-shaped ligament attaches the anterior surface of the liver to the anterior abdominal wall.
- its free edge contains the ligamentum teres (round ligament), a remnant of the umbilical vein.
describe the coronary ligament (anterior and posterior folds) of the liver
- attaches the superior surface of the liver to the inferior surface of the diaphragm and demarcates the bare area of the liver.
- the anterior and posterior folds unite to form the triangular ligaments on the right and left lobes of the liver.
what is the function of the triangular ligaments (left and right) of the liver
- Attaches the left lobe of the liver to the diaphragm.
- Attaches the right lobe of the liver to the diaphragm.
describe the lesser omentum, what ligaments does it consist of?
- attaches the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach and first part of the duodenum.
- it consists of the hepatoduodenal ligament and the hepatogastric ligament.
hepatoduodenal ligament location
surrounds the portal triad
how is the posterior surface of the liver secured to the IVC?
hepatic veins and fibrous tissue
label this
where is the caudate lobe located
- located on the upper aspect of the visceral surface.
- it lies between the IVC and a fossa produced by the ligamentum venosum.
what is the anatomical position of the quadrate lobe
- located on the lower aspect of the visceral surface.
- lies between the gallbladder and a fossa produced by the ligamentum teres (round ligament).
function of porta hepatis
- transmits all the vessels, nerves and ducts entering or leaving the liver with the exception of the hepatic veins.
what are the structural units of the liver called?
lobules
what does the portal triad consist of?
arteriole - a branch of the hepatic artery entering the liver.
venule - a branch of the hepatic portal vein entering the liver.
bile duct - a branch of the bile duct leaving the liver.
label this hepatic lobule
describe the dual bloody supply of the liver
Hepatic artery proper (25%):
- supplies the non-parenchymal structures of the liver with arterial blood. It is dervied from the coeliac trunk.
Hepatic portal vein (75%):
- supplies the liver with partially deoxygenated blood, carrying nutrients absorbed from the small intestine.
- dominant blood supply to the liver parenchyma, allows the liver to perform its gut-related functions, such as detoxification.
how is venous drainage of the liver achieved?
- through hepatic veins.
- the central veins of the hepatic lobule form collecting veins which then combine to form multiple hepatic veins.
- these veins then open into the IVC.
label this venous portal system
describe the nerve supply of the liver
- the parenchyma of the liver is innervated by the hepatic plexus, which contains sympathetic (coeliac plexus) and parasympathetic (vagus nerve) nerve fibres.
- these fibres enter the liver at the porta hepatis and follow the course of branches of the hepatic a and v.
what nerves innervate the Glisson’s capsule (fibrous covering of the liver)?
branches of the lower intercostal nerves
describe the lymphatic drainage of the liver
- lymph vessels of anterior aspect of liver drain into hepatic lymph nodes > coeliac lymph nodes > cisterna chyli.
- lymph vessels from posterior aspect of liver drain into phrenic and posterior mediastinal lymph nodes > right lymphatic and thoracic ducts.
which structures are present in the porta hepatis?
portal vein
hepatic artery
hepatic nervous plexus
hepatic ducts
lymphatic vessels
which structures are in the portal triad?
- arteriole (branch of hepatic artery entering the liver).
- venule (branch of hepatic portal vein entering the liver).
- bile duct (branch of bile duct leaving the liver).
where does the central vein drain to?
into hepatic veins that go into the IVC.
