The round ligament of the liver (or ligamentum teres, or ligamentum teres hepatis) is a ligament that forms part of the free edge of the
falciform ligament of the
liver
The liver is a major Organ (anatomy), organ only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the Protein biosynthesis, synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for ...
. It connects the liver to the
umbilicus. It is the remnant of the left
umbilical vein. The round ligament divides the left part of the liver into medial and lateral sections.
Structure
The round ligament connects the liver to the
umbilicus.
It divides the left part of the
liver
The liver is a major Organ (anatomy), organ only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the Protein biosynthesis, synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for ...
into medial and lateral sections.
Development
The round ligament of the liver is the remnant of the
umbilical vein during embryonic development.
It only exists in
placental mammals.
After the child is born, the umbilical vein degenerates to fibrous tissue.
Left portal vein (which give branches to
paraumbilical veins
In the course of the round ligament of the liver, small paraumbilical veins are found which establish an anastomosis between the veins of the anterior abdominal wall and the portal vein, hypogastric, and iliac veins. These veins include Burrow' ...
) is connected to round ligament (ligamentum teres) and ligamentum venosum.
Clinical significance
Portal hypertension
In adulthood, small
paraumbilical vein
In the course of the round ligament of liver, small veins (paraumbilical) are found which establish an anastomosis between the veins of the anterior abdominal wall and the hepatic portal, hypogastric, and iliac veins.
The best marked of these s ...
s remain in the substance of the ligament. These act as an important
portacaval anastomosis
A portocaval anastomosis or porto-systemic anastomosis is a specific type of anastomosis that occurs between the veins of the portal circulation and those of the systemic circulation. When there is a blockage of the portal system, portocaval anast ...
in severe
portal hypertension
Portal hypertension is abnormally increased portal venous pressure – blood pressure in the portal vein and its branches, that drain from most of the intestine to the liver. Portal hypertension is defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient gr ...
, resulting in a
caput medusae
Caput medusae is the appearance of distended and engorged superficial epigastric veins, which are seen radiating from the umbilicus across the abdomen. The name ''caput medusae'' (Latin for "head of Medusa") originates from the apparent simila ...
.
Abscess
Very rarely, the round ligament of the liver may develop an
abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body. Signs and symptoms of abscesses include redness, pain, warmth, and swelling. The swelling may feel fluid-filled when pressed. The area of redness often extends b ...
. This usually requires
liver surgery to treat.
Landmark
The umbilical vein/round ligament inserts around the
umbilicus, and is an important landmark of the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall.
Additional Images
File:Slide6UC.JPG, Round ligament of liver.Superior surface of liver.
See also
*
Ligamentum venosum
*
Ligamentum arteriosum
The ligamentum arteriosum (arterial ligament), also known as the Ligament of Botallo or Harvey's ligament, is a small ligament attaching the aorta to the pulmonary artery. It serves no function in adults but is the remnant of the ductus arteriosus ...
References
External links
* - "Stomach, Spleen and Liver: The Visceral Surface of the Liver"
*
Overview at ucc.edu
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Ligaments of the torso
Hepatology