The liver segment (segmentum hepatis) is the structural and functional unit of the liver. The liver consists of 8 segments, each of which has its own branch of the portal vein, a branch of the hepatic artery and duct.
The liver segments are anatomically separated by connective tissue layers, but function as a single organ. Each liver segment has a certain autonomy and is capable of regeneration in case of damage to neighboring segments.
If one of the liver segments is damaged or removed, the functions of this segment can be taken over by the remaining segments. This ensures high regenerative capacity of the liver.
Knowledge of the anatomy of liver segments is important for planning surgical interventions, in particular liver resection for focal lesions.