Round ligament of liver
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Related on Lably
Through Liver
Structure
The round ligament connects the liver to the umbilicus. It divides the left part of the liver into medial and lateral sections.
Development
The round ligament of the liver is the remnant of the umbilical vein during embryonic development. It only exists in placental mammals. After the child is born, the umbilical vein degenerates to fibrous tissue.
The left portal vein (which gives branches to paraumbilical veins) is connected to the round ligament (ligamentum teres) and ligamentum venosum.
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Clinical significance
Portal hypertension
In adulthood, small paraumbilical veins remain in the substance of the ligament. These act as an important portacaval anastomosis in severe portal hypertension, resulting in a caput medusae.
Abscess
Very rarely, the round ligament of the liver may develop an abscess. This usually requires liver surgery to treat.
Landmark
The umbilical vein/round ligament inserts around the umbilicus, and is an important landmark of the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall.