Hepatorenal ligament

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Hepatorenal ligament is a part of the human anatomy that connects the liver and the kidney. It is a double layer of peritoneum that extends from the liver to the right kidney and the right adrenal gland. The hepatorenal ligament is part of the lesser omentum, which is a smaller peritoneal fold that connects the stomach and the liver.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "hepatorenal" is derived from the Greek words "hepar", meaning liver, and "renal", meaning kidney. The term "ligament" comes from the Latin "ligamentum", meaning "a band or tie". Thus, the hepatorenal ligament is a band or tie between the liver and the kidney.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The hepatorenal ligament is a double layer of peritoneum that extends from the liver to the right kidney and the right adrenal gland. It is part of the lesser omentum, which is a smaller peritoneal fold that connects the stomach and the liver. The hepatorenal ligament contains the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct within its free edge.

Function[edit | edit source]

The hepatorenal ligament plays a crucial role in maintaining the position of the liver and the right kidney. It also provides a pathway for the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

In medical procedures such as laparoscopic surgery, the hepatorenal ligament is often used as a landmark to identify the liver and the right kidney. It is also important in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as hepatorenal syndrome, a type of kidney failure that occurs in people with severe liver damage.

See also[edit | edit source]

Hepatorenal ligament Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD