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
In human anatomy, the falciform ligament () is a ligament that attaches the liver to the front body wall and divides the liver into the left lobe and right lobe. The falciform ligament is a broad and thin fold of peritoneum, its base being dire ...
of the
liver
The liver is a major organ only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it ...
. It connects the liver to the
umbilicus. It is the remnant of the left
umbilical vein
The umbilical vein is a vein present during fetal development that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta into the growing fetus. The umbilical vein provides convenient access to the central circulation of a neonate for restoration of blood v ...
. 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 only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it ...
into medial and lateral sections.
Development
The round ligament of the liver is the remnant of the
umbilical vein
The umbilical vein is a vein present during fetal development that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta into the growing fetus. The umbilical vein provides convenient access to the central circulation of a neonate for restoration of blood v ...
during embryonic development.
It only exists in
placental mammal
Placental mammals (infraclass Placentalia ) are one of the three extant subdivisions of the class Mammalia, the other two being Monotremata and Marsupialia. Placentalia contains the vast majority of extant mammals, which are partly distinguishe ...
s.
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 veins 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, 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 similar ...
.
Abscess
Very rarely, the round ligament of the liver may develop an
abscess. 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
The ligamentum venosum, also known as Arantius' ligament, is the fibrous remnant of the ductus venosus of the fetal circulation. Usually, it is attached to the left branch of the portal vein within the porta hepatis. It may be continuous with the ...
*
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
{{Authority control
Ligaments of the torso
Hepatology