Logo

    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Teniae Coli
    Longitudinal muscle bands of colon.
    Hepatic Flexure
    Bend between ascending and transverse colon.
    Epiploic Appendages
    Fat-filled pouches attached to colon.
    Lower Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle at the junction of esophagus and stomach.
    Cheeks
    Lateral walls of the oral cavity composed of muscle and fat.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Common Hepatic Duct
    Carries bile from liver to bile duct.
    Splenic Flexure
    Bend between transverse and descending colon.
    Falciform Ligament
    Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Accessory Pancreatic Duct
    Secondary duct emptying into duodenum.
    Rectum
    Straight section of the colon leading to anus.
    Sublingual Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the tongue.
    Parotid Glands
    Largest salivary glands located near the ear.
    Teeth
    Structures in the jaws for mechanical breakdown of food.
    Transverse Colon
    Horizontal part of the colon.
    Lingual Frenulum
    Fold of mucous membrane anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
    Submandibular Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the mandible.
    Gingiva
    Gums; soft tissue covering the bones of the jaw.
    Pancreas
    Gland with both endocrine and exocrine functions.
    Quadrate Lobe
    Small lobe located between gallbladder and round ligament.
    Ascending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the right side.
    Liver
    Largest gland in the body with roles in metabolism and bile production.
    Greater Omentum
    Fatty fold of peritoneum covering intestines.
    Head of Pancreas
    Widest part of pancreas nestled in duodenum.

    Round Ligament of Liver

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Remnant of fetal umbilical vein.

    Overview

    The round ligament of the liver, also known as the ligamentum teres hepatis, is a fibrous remnant of the fetal umbilical vein. It no longer conducts blood in postnatal life but remains a significant anatomical landmark on the inferior surface of the liver. It is enclosed within the lower free margin of the falciform ligament and connects the liver to the anterior abdominal wall.

    Location

    The round ligament is located on the anterior and inferior aspect of the liver. Specifically, it:

    • Lies within the inferior free margin of the falciform ligament

    • Extends from the umbilicus to the inferior surface of the liver

    • Travels in the fissure between the left lobe and quadrate lobe of the liver

    • Terminates at the left branch of the portal vein near the porta hepatis

    Structure

    The round ligament is a fibrous cord, typically 3–5 mm in diameter. Its features include:

    • Embryological origin: It is the obliterated left umbilical vein, which carried oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus

    • Contained within: The falciform ligament, a double layer of peritoneum that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall

    • Covered by peritoneum: It is externally enveloped by a serosal layer

    Though nonfunctional after birth, the ligament can become a conduit for collateral veins in certain pathological conditions.

    Function

    In fetal life, the structure that becomes the round ligament performs a vital circulatory function:

    • Fetal role: The umbilical vein carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus, entering the liver and bypassing via the ductus venosus

    After birth, the round ligament has no active physiological function but retains structural and surgical importance.

    Physiological Role(s)

    While inactive postnatally, the round ligament has secondary physiological and clinical roles:

    • Landmark for segmentation: Marks the boundary between the left medial and left lateral segments of the liver (Couinaud’s segments III and IV)

    • Collateral pathway in portal hypertension: May recanalize and form paraumbilical veins, leading to caput medusae

    • Guide in surgical and imaging procedures: Aids in navigation during laparoscopic surgery and hepatic resections

    Clinical Significance

    The round ligament may be involved or used in various clinical scenarios:

    • Portal hypertension: In conditions such as liver cirrhosis, the ligament may reopen, allowing paraumbilical veins to dilate and cause visible abdominal wall varices (caput medusae)

    • Surgical landmark: Used in hepatic surgery to identify liver segments or locate the porta hepatis

    • Liver transplantation: The round ligament may be used as a reference or anchoring structure during graft implantation

    • Laparoscopic access: The falciform and round ligaments are sometimes divided to enhance access to upper abdominal organs

    • Recanalization: Though usually fibrotic, it may regain patency in severe portal hypertension, serving as a spontaneous shunt

    While small and functionless after birth, the round ligament of the liver serves as an important anatomical and surgical landmark and may become pathologically relevant in liver disease.

    Did you know? The stomach lining produces hydrochloric acid, which helps digest food and kill harmful bacteria.