Liver Anatomy and Function Quiz

The liver is usually less echogenic than the kidneys, meaning it appears darker on ultrasound.

The liver is the largest organ in the body and is easily visible on ultrasound.

A condition where the liver appears brighter than the kidneys on ultrasound, indicating fat accumulation.

The falciform ligament is a structure that divides the right and left lobes of the liver.

The diaphragm, a muscular sheet, sits above the liver and gives it its shape.

A hyperechoic line extending from the Portal vein to the neck of the Gallbladder on a longitudinal scan.

A bright, triangular, echogenic fossa that is the rounded termination of the falciform ligament and represents the umbilical vein in fetal life.

A fibrous structure that extends from the umbilicus to the diaphragm, containing the Ligamentum Teres.

Separates the left lobe of the liver from the caudate lobe.

A small vein draining directly from the Caudate Lobe into the IVC (Inferior Vena Cava).

A part of the liver located on the posterior-superior surface of the right lobe, situated between the Fissure for the Ligamentum Venosum and the IVC.

A landmark that divides the right and left lobes of the liver, along with the Gallbladder fossa inferiorly, the IVC posteriorly, and the middle hepatic vein superiorly.

Connects the posterosuperior liver surface to the diaphragm. It has an anterior and a posterior layer. The anterior layer reflects the parietal peritoneum. The posterior layer reflects onto the right adrenal gland and right kidney (hepatorenal ligament).

A broad, thin fold of parietal peritoneum extending from the liver to the abdominal wall, separating the right and left liver lobes. It contains the obliterated left umbilical vein, forming the ligamentum teres.

The remnant of the obliterated left umbilical vein, it runs from the umbilicus to the liver along the free margin of the falciform ligament.

The continuation of the ligamentum teres within the liver, connecting the liver to the inferior vena cava. It is a remnant of the ductus venosus, which shunted blood from the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava during fetal development.

Two triangular-shaped folds of peritoneum extending from the liver to the diaphragm, formed by the upper and lower ends of the coronary ligament. They help anchor the liver.

A peritoneal fold that covers the liver posteriorly, forming the right and left triangular ligaments.

The part of the liver that is not covered by the peritoneal membrane. It's located on the posterior surface of the liver, near the diaphragm.

A peritoneal fold that connects the stomach and duodenum to the liver.

A space between the liver and the diaphragm, containing the inferior vena cava and the lesser omentum.

The main portal vein (MPV) is the primary vessel transporting blood from the digestive system to the liver. Its normal diameter ranges between 1.0 and 1.6 cm, with an average of 1.3 cm.

The portal venous system is responsible for draining blood from vital organs like the spleen, digestive system, pancreas, and gallbladder, delivering it to the liver for processing.

The MPV divides into right and left branches as it enters the liver. The right portal vein (RPV) is larger and more posterior, while the left portal vein (LPV) is more anterior and cranial.

Normal portal vein flow is hepatopetal, meaning it flows towards the liver, carrying blood from the intestines to the liver for processing.

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is located posteriorly to the portal vein. This relationship is important for understanding anatomical landmarks during ultrasound examinations.

The liver receives nourishment and essential elements from both the portal vein, carrying blood from the digestive system, and the hepatic artery, supplying oxygenated blood from the heart.

The parallel-channel sign on ultrasound refers to the visualization of both the bile ducts (void of color) and the portal veins (filled with color) running alongside each other.

The right portal vein (RPV) divides into anterior and posterior segmental branches, further distributing blood within the liver.

The portal vein supplies the liver with 70-75% of its blood, carrying oxygen at 80% saturation, providing 50-60% of the liver cells' oxygen needs.

The common hepatic artery, branching from the celiac axis, reaches the right margin of the gastrohepatic ligament. It sits left of the common bile duct and in front of the portal vein.

The hepatic artery, due to being pulsatile, appears blue and red on color Doppler ultrasound.

Hepatic veins are visualized on transverse scans in the upper liver. They directly drain into the IVC, with three main veins: RHV (right), MHV (middle), and LHV (left)

The right, middle, and left hepatic veins divide the liver into four segments: right lobe (anterior and posterior), left lobe (medial and lateral)

Hepatic vein Doppler shows hepatofugal flow, meaning blood is flowing out of the liver.

Porta hepatis is the 'gate' to the liver, where the portal vein and hepatic artery enter, and the bile duct exits.

The porta hepatis is the point where the portal vein and hepatic artery enter the liver and the bile duct exits.

The hepatoduodenal ligament is a key anatomical structure that contains the bile duct, hepatic artery, and portal vein. These are positioned in a specific arrangement: the bile duct is ventral and lateral, the hepatic artery is ventral and medial, and the portal vein is dorsal.

The portal vein carries blood rich in nutrients and oxygen from the intestines to the liver for processing. This blood then flows through the liver's sinusoids, where it's filtered before continuing to the heart.

The liver plays a critical role in many bodily functions, acting as a factory, warehouse, power plant, waste disposal plant, and even a scientist in its ability to regenerate tissue. This highlights the liver's diverse and essential functions.

Hepatocytes, the most abundant cells in the liver parenchyma, are responsible for the majority of the liver's metabolic functions. This includes essential processes like protein synthesis, detoxification, and glucose regulation.

Kupffer cells reside within the liver's sinusoids, acting as phagocytes that help clear the bloodstream of debris and pathogens. They are part of the reticuloendothelial system and play a crucial role in the liver's immune function.

The portal triad, which contains the bile duct, hepatic artery, and portal vein, is surrounded by the hepatoduodenal ligament. This ligament serves as a critical point of entry and exit for these structures.

The parasagittal scanning plane is ideal for visualizing the hepatic veins, allowing for a clear view of their structure and flow patterns within the liver.

Couinaud's hepatic segment system is the universally recognized nomenclature for identifying and localizing lesions within the liver. It divides the liver into eight segments, based on vascular anatomy and helps surgeons and radiologists communicate more effectively.