Round ligament of the liver

Round Ligament of the Liver

The Round Ligament of the Liver (also known as the ligamentum teres hepatis) is a significant anatomical structure found within the human liver. It is a remnant of the fetal umbilical vein, which becomes fibrous after birth.

Anatomy

The Round Ligament of the Liver is located in the free edge of the falciform ligament, a thin, crescent-shaped ligament that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm. It extends from the navel to the liver's left lobe.

Function

During fetal development, the Round Ligament of the Liver serves as a conduit for blood flow from the placenta to the fetus. After birth, this ligament loses its function as a blood vessel and becomes a fibrous cord.

Clinical Significance

The Round Ligament of the Liver is often used as a landmark during surgical procedures involving the liver or the abdominal cavity. It can also be involved in certain medical conditions, such as Round Ligament Syndrome, a rare condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the area of the ligament.

See Also

• Liver
• Falciform ligament
• Umbilical vein
• Round Ligament Syndrome