Visceral surface of the liver

Visceral surface of the liver is the part of the liver that faces inwards and is in contact with other organs. It is larger than the diaphragmatic surface of the liver, which faces the diaphragm and the anterior abdominal wall.

Anatomy

The visceral surface of the liver is irregular and concave. It is in contact with the stomach, duodenum, gallbladder, right kidney and right adrenal gland, and the transverse colon. The visceral surface of the liver is marked by three grooves in the shape of the letter H. These grooves are occupied by the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct.

Structures

The visceral surface of the liver is home to several important structures. These include:

• Porta hepatis: Also known as the "gateway to the liver," this is a deep transverse fissure, about 5 cm long, which provides a path for the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct.

• Gallbladder: This small, pear-shaped organ is located on the visceral surface of the liver. It stores bile produced by the liver until it is needed for digestion.

• Hepatic veins: These veins drain deoxygenated blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava.

• Inferior vena cava: This large vein passes through a groove on the visceral surface of the liver and carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.

Clinical significance

The visceral surface of the liver is often involved in various liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is also the site of surgical procedures, such as liver transplantation and cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).

See also

• Liver
• Hepatic portal system
• Hepatic artery
• Bile duct