Inferior Presentation of the Male Liver Fissure for Ligamentum Teres

Description

Visible on the inferior (visceral) surface of the male liver is the fissure for the ligamentum teres hepatis, a sagittal umbilical groove running anteroinferiorly toward the inferior border in the left anatomical lobe. Medially, this fissure relates to the left sagittal fissure complex that separates the quadrate lobe from the left lobe, while posterior continuation would align toward the fissure for the ligamentum venosum near the porta hepatis. The round ligament itself represents the fibrous remnant of the fetal vena umbilicalis, coursing from the umbilicus to the liver and then lying within this fossa. Orientation matters. The fissure for ligamentum teres is a dependable landmark when teaching segmental anatomy on the visceral surface, because it tracks the umbilical portion of the left portal vein and helps you localize the left medial and left lateral sectors (Couinaud segments IV versus II and III). In cirrhosis with portal hypertension, paraumbilical veins can recanalize within or alongside the ligamentum teres and contribute to caput medusae, so the anatomy here connects directly to physical exam findings and collateral pathways. Surgeons also reference this groove during left hepatectomy planning and when entering the lesser omentum region around the porta hepatis. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and hepatobiliary surgery teaching to anchor the visceral landmarks of the left lobe, quadrate lobe, and the umbilical fissure in a clean inferior view. It also fits well in radiology and cross sectional anatomy materials that correlate surface fissures with the left portal venous anatomy on CT or MRI. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.