Liver anatomy

Publicationdate 2006-05-07 / update 2015-10-15 / 2022-06-13 The anatomy of the liver can be described using two different aspects: morphological anatomy and functional anatomy. The traditional morphological anatomy is based on the external appearance of the liver and does not show the internal features of vessels and biliary ducts branching, which are of obvious importance in hepatic surgery. The French surgeon and anatomist Claude Couinaud was the first to divide the liver into eight functionally indepedent segments allowing resection of segments without damaging other segments. • • • • • • • • Segmental anatomy Couinaud classification The Couinaud classification of liver anatomy divides the liver into eight functionally indepedent segments. Each segment has its own vascular inflow, outflow and biliary drainage. In the centre of each segment there is a branch of the portal vein, hepatic artery and bile duct. In the periphery of each segment there is vascular outflow through the hepatic veins. The liver is divided in three vertical planes: • The plane of the right hepatic vein divides the right lobe into anterior and posterior segments. • The plane of the middle hepatic vein divides the liver into right and left lobes or right and left hemiliver. This plane runs from the inferior vena cava to the gallbladder fossa. • The u mbilic planeruns from the falciform ligament to the inferior vena cava and divides the left lobe into a medial part, which is segment IV and a lateral p...

• 1 Anatomical Position • 2 Liver Surfaces • 3 Ligaments of the Liver • 4 Hepatic Recesses • 5 Anatomical Structure • 5.1 Macroscopic • 5.2 Microscopic • 6 Vasculature • 7 Nerve Supply • 8 Lymphatic Drainage • 9 Clinical Relevance: Percutaneous Liver Biopsy The liver is a peritoneal organ positioned in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. It is the largest visceral structure in the An accessory digestion gland, the liver performs a wide range of functions, such as synthesis of bile, glycogen storage and clotting factor production. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the liver – its position, structure, and neurovascular supply. Anatomical Position The liver is predominantly located in the right hypochondrium and epigastric areas, and extends into the left hypochondrium. When discussing the anatomical position of the liver, it is useful to consider its external surfaces, associated ligaments, and the anatomical spaces (recesses) that surround it. Liver Surfaces The external surfaces of the liver are described by their location and adjacent structures. There are two liver surfaces – the diaphragmatic and visceral: • Diaphragmatic surface – the anterosuperior surface of the liver. • It is smooth and convex, fitting snugly beneath the curvature of the diaphragm. • The posterior aspect of the diaphragmatic surface is not covered by visceral peritoneum, and is in direct contact with the diaphragm itself (known as the ‘bare area’ of the liver). • Visceral surface...

Weighing in at around 3 pounds, the liver is the body’s second largest organ; only the skin is larger and heavier. The liver performs many essential functions related to digestion, metabolism, immunity, and the storage of nutrients within the body. These functions make the liver a vital organ without which the tissues of the body would quickly die from lack of energy and nutrients. Fortunately, the liver has an incredible capacity for regeneration of dead or damaged tissues; it is capable of growing as quickly as a cancerous tumor to restore its normal size and function. Anatomy of the Liver Gross Anatomy The liver is a roughly triangular organ that extends across the entire abdominal cavity just inferior to the diaphragm. Most of the liver’s mass is located on the right side of the body where it descends inferiorly toward the right The peritoneum connects the liver in 4 locations: the coronary ligament, the left and right triangular ligaments, and the falciform ligament. These connections are not true ligaments in the anatomical sense; rather, they are condensed regions of peritoneal membrane that support the liver. • The wide coronary ligament connects the central superior portion of the liver to the diaphragm. • Located on the lateral borders of the left and right lobes, respectively, the left and right triangular ligaments connect the superior ends of the liver to the diaphragm. • The falciform ligament runs inferiorly from the diaphragm across the anterior edge of the...

What is the liver? The human liver is an organ and gland in the human body. It’s spongy, wedge-shaped, reddish-brown in color and about the size of a football. The size varies based on how tall you are and how much you weigh. The liver is an essential organ, performing hundreds of functions necessary to sustain life. It's also a gland because it makes proteins and hormones that other parts of the body need. Weighing, on average, about three pounds in an adult, the liver is the largest internal organ. Under normal conditions, the liver is located on the right side of the body, under the ribs. In a condition called situs inversus, the liver is located on the left side. Issues related to the liver are called hepatic conditions. A medical professional who specializes in the liver is a hepatologist. What does the liver do? The liver has hundreds of jobs. Some of the most vital are: • Cleans toxins (harmful substances) out of the blood. • Gets rid of old red blood cells. • Makes bile, a fluid that helps the body digest (break down) food. • Metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats so your body can use them. • Produces substances to help blood clot. • Regulates the amount of blood in the body. • Stores glycogen (an energy source) and vitamins to be used by the body later. What are the parts of the liver? The liver has two main parts: the larger right lobe and the smaller left lobe. The lobes contain many blood vessels. Blood travels through the liver. The liver filters (cleans...

The liver has no pain receptors. Liver pain can feel like general abdominal pain or referred pain to other areas, like the back or shoulders. Certain conditions can cause sharp pain or pain while breathing. Many times, we get help when things hurt. But when it comes to the liver, it can be difficult to pinpoint a source of pain and know when to see a doctor. Liver pain is usually generalized and not focused on a specific area. This article will explore what liver pain can feel like, what types of problems cause liver pain, and what you should do if you suspect there’s a problem with your liver. Your Liver pain can be difficult to diagnose because it can take many forms. Also, your liver doesn’t actually contain any nerves that sense pain, so discomfort is usually the result of inflammation or damage to surrounding tissues. More than Liver disease can be a source of Liver disease can also cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to a general feeling of discomfort. In addition, your liver also stores and manages: • proteins that help clotting (platelets) • proteins and substances that help with immune function • fat-soluble vitamins • extra blood sugar that’s transformed into long-term glycogen Without a properly functioning liver, you’ll experience problems like the buildup of toxins, uncontrolled bleeding from poor blood clotting, and increased infections. Sometimes, liver damage generates pain in other parts of the body. Since the liver has no pain receptors, surro...

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It carries out over 500 tasks and plays an essential role in digestion. Its roles include detoxification, protein synthesis, and producing digestive enzymes. The roles of the liver include detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of chemicals that help digest food. It is part of the digestive system. This article will cover the main roles of the liver, how the liver regenerates, what happens when the liver does not function correctly, and how to keep the liver healthy. Share on Pinterest SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images A person’s liver is in the upper right section of the abdomen and sits below the diaphragm. It typically weighs The liver is roughly triangular and consists of two lobes: a larger right lobe and a smaller left lobe. The falciform ligament separates the lobes. This ligament is a band of tissue that keeps the liver anchored to the diaphragm. A layer of fibrous tissue called Glisson’s capsule covers the outside of the liver. The peritoneum, a membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity, then covers this. This helps hold the liver in place and protects it from physical damage. Blood vessels Unlike most organs, the liver has two major sources of blood. The portal vein brings in nutrient-rich blood from the digestive system, and the hepatic artery carries oxygenated blood from the heart. The blood vessels divide into small capillaries, with each ending in a lobule. Lob...