Partially mobilize the liver and examine its visceral (posteriorinferior) surface. (G 4.51;N 277;Gl 15.22)
- Identify the right and left lobes of the liver. (G 4.50;N 277;Gl 15.22)
- Use your fingers to elevate the inferior margin of the liver and identify the inferior vena cava, fossa for the gall bladder, porta hepatis, caudate lobe, quadrate lobe, fissure for ligamentum teres and fissure for ligamentum venosum. (G 4.57A;N 277;Gl 15.22C) Observe (from the thoracic side) the hepatic veins draining into the inferior vena cava near the diaphragm.
Important Relationships
- The inferior vena cava passes posterior to the liver and is positioned lateral to the caudate lobe.
- The gall bladder is positioned lateral to the quadrate lobe of the liver.
