Diaphragmatic surface of liver
Facies diaphragmatica hepatis
- Related terms: Diaphragmatic surface
Definition
The diaphragmatic surface (superior surface) is divided into four parts (superior, anterior, right and posteriorparts):
The superior part of diaphragmatic surface comprises a part of both lobes, and, as a whole, is convex, and fits under the vault of the diaphragm which in front separates it on the right from the sixth to the tenth ribs and their cartilages, and on the left from the seventh and eighth costal cartilages.
Its middle part (the anterior part of diaphragmatic surface) lies behind the xiphoid process, and, in the angle between the diverging rib cartilage of opposite sides, is in contact with the abdominal wall.
Behind this the diaphragm separates the liver from the lower part of the lungs and pleuræ, the heart and pericardium and (on the right part of diaphragmatic surface) the right costal arches from the seventh to the eleventh inclusive. It is completely covered by peritoneum except along the line of attachment of the falciform ligament.
The cardiac impression is a depression that lies below the the attachment surface of diaphragm and pericardium, extending into the area nuda and bounded by the inferior vena cava.
The posterior part of diaphragmatic surface is rounded and broad behind the right lobe, but narrow on the left.
Over a large part of its extent it is not covered by peritoneum; this uncovered portion is about 7.5 cm. broad at its widest part, and is in direct contact with the diaphragm. It is marked off from the upper surface by the line of reflection of the upper layer of the coronary ligament, and from the under surface by the line of reflection of the lower layer of the coronary ligament.
The central part of the posterior surface presents a deep concavity which is moulded on the vertebral column and crura of the diaphragm. To the right of this the inferior vena cava is lodged in its fossa between the uncovered area and the caudate lobe. Close to the right of this fossa and immediately above the renal impression is a small triangular depressed area, the suprarenal impression, the greater part of which is devoid of peritoneum; it lodges the right suprarenal gland.
To the left of the inferior vena cava is the caudate lobe, which lies between the fossa for the vena cava and the fossa for the ductus venosus. Its lower end projects and forms part of the posterior boundary of the porta; on the right, it is connected with the under surface of the right lobe of the liver by theee caudate process, and on the left it presents an elevation, the papillary process. Its posterior surface rests upon the diaphragm, being separated from it merely by the upper part of the omental bursa.
To the left of the fossa for the ductus venosus is a groove in which lies the antrum cardiacum of the esophagus.
