Falciform

Falciform is a term used in anatomy to describe a structure that is sickle-shaped or crescent-shaped. The term is derived from the Latin word "falciformis", which means "sickle-shaped". The most notable structure that carries this name is the Falciform ligament, a ligament that attaches the front of the liver to the anterior (front) abdominal wall and the diaphragm.

Anatomy

The Falciform ligament is a thin, crescent-shaped ligament that separates the right and left lobes of the liver. It is a remnant of the umbilical vein, and it contains the round ligament of the liver (ligamentum teres hepatis), which is a fibrous cord resulting from the obliteration of the umbilical vein.

Clinical significance

The falciform ligament is not usually of much clinical significance. However, it can sometimes be used in surgical procedures involving the liver. For example, it can be cut to improve access to the liver during surgery. In some cases, it can also be used to construct a new pathway for blood flow in the treatment of portal hypertension.

See also

• Anatomy
• Liver
• Ligament
• Portal hypertension

References

Falciform Resources
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