Liver lobe

Liver Lobe

The liver lobe is a division of the liver that is visibly separate from other parts. The human liver is typically divided into two main lobes, the right lobe and the left lobe, as well as two smaller lobes, the quadrate lobe and the caudate lobe.

Anatomy

The liver lobes are separated by the falciform ligament, a thin, crescent-shaped ligament that attaches the liver to the diaphragm and the anterior abdominal wall. The right lobe is larger and consists of six segments, while the left lobe is smaller and consists of two segments. The quadrate lobe and the caudate lobe are considered part of the right lobe for clinical purposes.

Function

Each lobe of the liver has a specific function in the body's metabolism. The liver as a whole is responsible for over 500 vital functions, including the production of bile, which helps to break down fats, the removal of toxins from the blood, and the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the liver lobes can have serious health implications. These include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Treatment options for these conditions vary and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, liver transplantation.

See also

• Liver
• Hepatic lobule
• Liver function tests
• Liver disease