Bare area of the liver

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Bare area of the liver

The bare area of the liver is a region of the liver that is not covered by peritoneum. This area is in direct contact with the diaphragm and is located on the posterior aspect of the liver. The bare area is significant because it allows for the passage of important structures and is a site where the liver is anchored to the diaphragm.

Anatomy

The bare area of the liver is situated on the right lobe of the liver. It is bordered by the coronary ligament and the triangular ligaments of the liver. The coronary ligament attaches the liver to the diaphragm, while the triangular ligaments are extensions of the coronary ligament that help secure the liver in place.

The bare area is roughly triangular in shape and is demarcated by the following structures:

• Superiorly by the coronary ligament
• Inferiorly by the hepatorenal recess
• Laterally by the right triangular ligament
• Medially by the inferior vena cava

Clinical Significance

The bare area of the liver is clinically significant for several reasons:

• It is a potential site for the spread of infection or tumors from the liver to the diaphragm and vice versa.
• During surgery, the bare area is an important landmark for surgeons to avoid damaging the diaphragm or the inferior vena cava.
• The absence of peritoneal covering means that the liver is more firmly attached to the diaphragm in this region, which can affect the mobility of the liver during respiratory movements.

Related Structures

• Liver
• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Coronary ligament
• Triangular ligaments of the liver
• Inferior vena cava
• Hepatorenal recess

See Also

• Liver anatomy
• Peritoneum
• Hepatic surgery