Posterior surface of liver
Facies posterior hepatis
- Latin synonym: Pars posterior faciei diaphragmaticae hepatis
- Synonym: Posterior part of diaphragmatic surface of liver
- Related terms: Posterior part; Diaphragmatic surface - Posterior part
Definition
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.
