Ligament of the Liver Round

Round ligament of the liver: anatomy and functions

The round ligament of the liver, or by its Latin name ligamentum teres hepatis, is one of the structures that provides support and fixation of the liver in the abdominal cavity. This ligament is essential for the normal functioning of the liver and plays several important roles.

Anatomically, the ligamentum teres is a narrow strip of connective tissue that runs from the bottom of the liver to the umbilical ring. It is formed from the remains of the umbilical vein (ductus venosus), which played an important role in the blood circulation of the fetus. After the baby is born, the umbilical vein usually closes and becomes the round ligament of the liver.

One of the main functions of the round liver ligament is to support and fix the liver in the abdominal cavity. It helps keep the liver in the correct position and prevents it from becoming too mobile. This is especially important given that the liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and performs many vital functions.

In addition, the ligamentum teres of the liver also plays a role in the blood supply to the liver. During fetal development, the umbilical vein serves as a route for oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to flow to the liver. After birth, when the umbilical vein closes, the blood supply to the liver is rebuilt and other vessels become responsible for delivering blood to the organ. However, the ligamentum teres of the liver continues to play some role in the blood supply, providing an additional pathway for blood reaching the liver through other vessels.

The round ligament of the liver also has clinical significance. In some cases, it can become a site for the development of pathological conditions such as cysts or tumors. These conditions can put pressure on the teres ligament of the liver and cause discomfort or other symptoms in the patient. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of pathology in the area of ​​the round ligament of the liver, it is recommended to consult a doctor for additional examination and diagnosis.

In conclusion, the ligamentum teres hepatis plays an important role in the support and function of the liver. It provides fixation of the organ in the abdominal cavity, is involved in the blood supply and may be a subject of clinical interest. Understanding the anatomy and function of the teres ligament of the liver is important to understanding the functioning of this important organ and the conditions and diseases associated with it.

**Ligament of the liver** - ***complex alveolar structure***, its walls are formed by epithelial cells, which usually surround the lymphatic follicles, but when inflamed, their tissue can be replaced by connective tissue. Liver epithelial cells are filled with hematin. In the bundles of hepatic arterioles there are simple or simple branched vessel walls, there are no valves in them and there is no pulsation of the vessel walls. Two veins approach the main ligament from the artery; these arteries and veins form the corresponding ligaments (lymphatic) (Fig. 54).

*The following paired ligaments are distinguished: Liver* - *Hepatic groove* - part of the intra-abdominal fascia made of fibrous connective tissue, located on the upper part of the anterior abdominal wall in front of the peritoneum; - *round ligament of the liver* - nodular-lobular ligament 6-8 cm long and 2-4 cm thick, which covers the stalk of the liver in front and below. It is divided into two legs, right and left. The thread of the right leg of the round ligament of the liver lies on the lower surface of the liver from the side of the diaphragmatic surface of the liver, which is at the edge of the main membrane of the heart, and attaches to the tendon of the diaphragm. The lateral limb is attached to the surface of the left lung between the convex contour of the diaphragm and the cardiac recess.