Male Left Liver Lateral Division

Description

Framed within the left hepatic lobe, the left lateral division occupies the superior and leftward aspect of the liver and corresponds to Couinaud segments II (superior) and III (inferior). Segment II lies more cranial and posterior relative to segment III, with both positioned lateral to the umbilical fissure and medial to the left hepatic margin. The falciform ligament aligns with the anatomic division of right and left lobes, while the functional boundary relevant to this illustration tracks portal inflow and hepatic venous drainage rather than surface landmarks. Orientation favors the left upper quadrant in standard anatomical position. Couinaud segmentation matters because it reflects vascular anatomy: portal triads branch segmentally and the left hepatic vein often demarcates planes used for parenchymal transection. When planning a left lateral sectionectomy, surgeons target segments II and III for resection in settings such as colorectal liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma confined to the left lateral sector, or living donor transplantation (left lateral segment graft for pediatric recipients). Clear identification also supports interventional routes, including segmental portal vein embolization and lesion localization on contrast-enhanced CT or MRI using the umbilical portion of the left portal vein as a key internal landmark. Small errors here change margins. Use this artwork in hepatobiliary surgery teaching, radiology correlation plates for Couinaud liver segment anatomy, and operative planning figures for left lateral sectionectomy or pediatric transplant pathways. It also fits anatomy curricula that distinguish anatomic lobes from functional segments in the male upper abdomen. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.