liver

Liver anatomy

The liver occupies the right hypochondrium, the greater part of the epigastrium, and the left hypochondrium as far as the mammillary line.

Right lobe

The larger lobe of the liver extending inferior to the diaphragm and partially covered by the ribs.

Falciform ligament

The ligament that connects the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm.

Caudate lobe

A smaller lobe of the liver located posteriorly, often considered part of the right lobe.

Biliary tree

The network of ducts that transports bile from the liver to the duodenum.

Hepatic arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the liver from the aorta.

Portal vein

The vein that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Glisson's capsule

A fibrous layer that covers the liver, which contains blood vessels and nerves.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that aids in the emulsification of fats.

Hepatocellular disease

Conditions that primarily affect liver cells (hepatocytes) and interfere with liver function.

Obstructive disorders

Conditions where bile excretion is blocked, often requiring surgical intervention.

Bilirubin

A pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells, processed in the liver.

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver, which can indicate various liver diseases.

Cirrhosis

A chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by fibrosis and scarring.

Hepatic vein

Veins that drain blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava.

Sonographic evaluation

Ultrasound assessment of the liver to evaluate its size, texture, and vascular structures.

Portal venous hypertension

Increased pressure in the portal venous system often due to liver disease.

Amebic abscess

A collection of pus in the liver caused by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite.

Metastatic disease

The presence of cancer spread to the liver from other primary sites.

Benign hepatic tumors

Non-cancerous growths in the liver such as hemangiomas or adenomas.

Lymphoma

A malignant neoplasm involving lymphocytes that can present in the liver.