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    From Digestive System

    Laryngopharynx
    Lower part of pharynx leading to esophagus.
    Rectum
    Straight section of the colon leading to anus.
    Cystic Duct
    Connects gallbladder to common bile duct.
    Haustra
    Pouch-like segments of colon.
    Internal Anal Sphincter
    Involuntary muscle around anal canal.
    Epiploic Appendages
    Fat-filled pouches attached to colon.
    Uvula
    Dangling soft tissue at the back of the soft palate.
    Abdominal Cavity
    The abdominal cavity is the largest body cavity, housing vital digestive and excretory organs, lined by the peritoneum and essential for protection, metabolism, and organ movement.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Nasopharynx
    Superior region of pharynx behind the nasal cavity.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
    Body
    Main central region of the stomach.
    Descending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the left side.
    Major Duodenal Papilla
    Opening for bile and pancreatic ducts into duodenum.
    Accessory Pancreatic Duct
    Secondary duct emptying into duodenum.
    Left Lobe
    Smaller lobe of the liver.
    Ileum
    Final and longest portion of the small intestine.
    Pancreas
    Gland with both endocrine and exocrine functions.
    Tail of Pancreas
    Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
    Mesocolon
    Peritoneal fold attaching colon to posterior wall.
    Right Lobe
    Larger functional lobe of the liver.
    Transverse Colon
    Horizontal part of the colon.
    Lower Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle at the junction of esophagus and stomach.
    Round Ligament of Liver
    Remnant of fetal umbilical vein.

    Falciform Ligament

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.

    Overview

    The falciform ligament is a thin, sickle-shaped fold of peritoneum that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm. While it has little functional significance in digestion, it is an important anatomical landmark and embryological remnant. It divides the anatomical right and left lobes of the liver and contains the ligamentum teres hepatis, a remnant of the fetal umbilical vein.

    Location

    The falciform ligament is located in the upper abdomen

    • Extends from the anterior surface of the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and the inferior surface of the diaphragm

    • Lies in the midline of the upper abdomen

    • Separates the anatomical right and left lobes of the liver on its anterior surface

    Inferiorly, the free edge of the falciform ligament contains the round ligament of the liver (ligamentum teres), which extends toward the umbilicus.

    Structure

    The falciform ligament is composed of:

    • Two layers of peritoneum: Folded upon each other, forming a thin membranous structure

    • Ligamentum teres hepatis: A fibrous remnant of the obliterated fetal umbilical vein, located in its free inferior margin

    • Connective tissue and small vessels: Including lymphatics and sometimes accessory hepatic veins

    The falciform ligament is relatively avascular and flexible, allowing movement of the liver with respiration and positional changes.

    Function

    Although the falciform ligament has no active role in digestion, it serves several structural functions:

    • Supports the liver: Helps suspend the liver from the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm

    • Divides liver surfaces: Forms a visible anatomical division between the right and left lobes of the liver on the anterior surface

    • Houses embryological remnants: Contains the ligamentum teres, which once carried oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus

    Physiological Role(s)

    While not directly involved in digestion or metabolic processes, the falciform ligament may contribute to:

    • Embryological development: Plays a role in fetal circulation through the umbilical vein

    • Internal compartmentalization: Contributes to the structural separation of peritoneal spaces

    • Liver mobility limitation: May restrict excessive anterior-posterior motion of the liver during movement or respiration

    Clinical Significance

    Though the falciform ligament is not often the focus of disease, it can have relevance in several clinical contexts:

    • Falciform ligament hernia: A rare internal hernia where abdominal contents pass through a defect in the ligament, potentially causing bowel obstruction

    • Surgical landmark: Used in laparoscopic and open abdominal surgery as a guide for identifying liver lobes and accessing the anterior peritoneal cavity

    • Ligamentum teres patency: In conditions like portal hypertension, the round ligament (contained within the falciform ligament) may recanalize, allowing the development of caput medusae

    • Fat necrosis: Rarely, fatty appendages of the falciform ligament can undergo torsion or infarction, mimicking acute abdominal conditions

    Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, and laparoscopy can visualize the falciform ligament, especially in cases of ascites or internal herniation.

    Did you know? The process of digestion starts in the mouth, where enzymes in saliva begin breaking down food.