Liver

Description

Shown from an anterior, slightly superior oblique angle, the male liver is rendered with a smooth Glisson capsule and clear lobar topography, with the larger lobus hepatis dexter positioned to the viewer’s right and the smaller lobus hepatis sinister to the viewer’s left. The falciform ligament runs in the midline across the anterior surface toward the superior border, marking the surface separation between right and left lobes and continuing to the inferior margin where the ligamentum teres hepatis would course within its free edge. Broad convexity of the diaphragmatic surface dominates, consistent with hepatic parenchyma molded against the right hemidiaphragm and costal margin. Simple, clean anatomy. That anterior surface anatomy matters when orienting cross sectional imaging and during open or laparoscopic approaches to the upper abdomen, where the falciform ligament is often the first peritoneal reflection encountered and a reliable landmark for left lobe retraction. The groove related to the falciform ligament also corresponds to the plane of the fissure for the ligamentum teres and provides surface guidance toward the umbilical portion of the left portal vein, a pathway used in intraoperative ultrasound orientation. In hepatomegaly, congestive hepatopathy, or cirrhosis, changes in contour and capsular sheen alter this familiar silhouette, so a baseline normal reference helps teach what looks off. Use this asset in gross anatomy and abdominal radiology teaching sets to reinforce lobar orientation, peritoneal reflections, and correct hepatic laterality in 3D context, or in surgical education materials that introduce exposure of the liver during cholecystectomy, hepatectomy planning, and trauma laparotomy. It also fits patient facing liver disease brochures that need an accurate, nonpathologic hepatic gland model. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.