External Features of the Liver

How many well-defined surfaces and borders does the liver have?

Two well-defined surfaces (diaphragmatic and visceral)

and one well-defined border (inferior border).

Describe the diaphragmatic surface of the liver.

Convex and extensive;

faces upwards,

forwards,

to the right,

and backwards.

Describe the visceral surface of the liver.

Relatively flat;

faces inferiorly.

Where do the diaphragmatic and visceral surfaces meet?

They meet anteriorly at the sharp inferior border.

What are the two types of areas on the diaphragmatic surface?

Smooth peritoneal areas (superior, anterior, right)

and a rough bare area (posterior, without peritoneum).

What is the orientation of the dome-shaped diaphragmatic surface?

Faces superiorly,

anteriorly,

and to the right; posteriorly has a bare area devoid of peritoneum.

Where is the inferior vena cava located in relation to the liver?

Embedded in the deep sulcus in the left part of the bare area,

usually roofed by fibrous tissue forming the ligament of the inferior vena cava.

What are the notable features of the diaphragmatic surface of the liver?

• Bare area of the liver

• Groove for inferior vena cava

• Fissure for ligamentum venosum

• Attachment of coronary, right and left triangular,

• and falciform ligaments