Inferior Depiction of the Male Liver Fissure for Ligamentum Venosum

Description

Inferior inspection of the male liver emphasizes the fissure for the ligamentum venosum (fissura ligamenti venosi, sulcus ligamenti venosi, fissure of Arantius) on the visceral surface, running in a sagittal direction between the left lobe and the caudate lobe. Medially, this groove leads toward the porta hepatis, where it lies near the transverse fissure carrying the portal vein, proper hepatic artery, and hepatic ducts. Posteriorly and superiorly, the fissure aligns with the fibrous remnant of the fetal ductus venosus as it courses toward the region of the inferior vena cava. Close quarters anatomy. Because the fissure borders the porta hepatis, it becomes a practical landmark when teaching the segmental layout of the liver and the relationship of the caudate lobe (segment I) to the hilar plate and venous outflow. For hepatobiliary surgery and transplant, recognizing the sulcus of Arantius helps orient dissection on the visceral surface during hilar exposure and left-sided mobilization, where confusion with adjacent fissures or peritoneal reflections can complicate identification of the left portal pedicle. It also anchors discussion of fetal circulation, since the ligamentum venosum marks the postnatal closure of the ductus venosus and its anatomic continuity toward the left hepatic vein region. Use this artwork in gross anatomy lab manuals, hepatobiliary anatomy chapters in surgical atlases, and lecture slides for portal triad orientation, Couinaud segmentation, and embryologic remnants on the liver’s inferior surface. It also suits radiology teaching files when correlating inferior hepatic landmarks on CT or MRI with the porta hepatis and adjacent fissures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.