What are the main functions of the liver?

The liver has both exocrine and endocrine functions. It secretes bile, stores glycogen, synthesizes plasma proteins and lipids, detoxifies blood, and serves as a site for hemopoiesis during fetal life.

Where is the liver located in the body?

The liver lies mostly in the right hypochondrium, upper epigastrium, and partly in the left hypochondrium. Its upper border reaches the 5th rib, and its inferior border follows the costal margin, crossing the midline at the transpyloric plane (L1).

What are the anatomical and physiological lobes of the liver?

Anatomical lobes include right and left (divided by falciform ligament), plus quadrate and caudate lobes on the visceral surface. Physiological lobes are true lobes divided by Cantlie's line (from gallbladder fossa to IVC groove); each has its own bile duct, artery, and portal branch.

How is the liver divided into segments, and why is this important?

The liver is divided into 8 segments based on portal triad branching: segments V–VIII in the right lobe and I–IV in the left lobe. Segment I (caudate) is separate due to its dual supply. This segmentation is crucial for surgical resections.

What structures are related to the visceral surface of the liver?

The visceral surface has impressions from several organs, including the stomach (gastric), duodenum, right kidney, right colic flexure, gallbladder, and esophagus.

What is the blood supply to the liver?

The liver receives blood from two sources: the hepatic artery supplies 20% of the liver's blood, and the portal vein brings 80% of blood, rich in nutrients from the GI tract. Venous drainage is via hepatic veins into the IVC.

What are some key clinical correlations related to liver anatomy?

Key clinical points include subphrenic abscess (infection beneath the diaphragm, often from amoebic hepatitis or surgery), cirrhosis (fibrosis causing portal hypertension, splenomegaly, varices, and jaundice), and segmental resection (based on vascular anatomy; the liver can regenerate up to 80% if healthy).

Liver Anatomy – Lobes, Segments & Blood Supply

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