Organ
Left lobe of the liver
Surface left lobe versus the larger functional left liver
High-yield
Functional left liver includes segments II, III and IV. The anatomical left lobe largely corresponds to the left lateral region, with segment IV lying to the right of the falciform surface line.
Overview
The anatomical left lobe extends left of the falciform attachment across the epigastrium. Its undersurface relates closely to the stomach and abdominal esophagus. Portal segmentation includes an additional medial territory in the functional left liver, so its boundaries differ from this visible surface lobe.
Reference facts
- Location
- Projects across the epigastrium toward the left hypochondrium, anterior to the gastric/esophageal region.
- Parts
- Anatomical left surface lobe is distinct from functional left liver, which contains left lateral segments II/III and medial segment IV.
- Blood supply
- Left portal venous branches and usually left hepatic arterial branches; replaced or accessory left gastric-derived arteries are recognized variants.
- Innervation
- Hepatic autonomic plexus, including vagal fibers reaching the liver through the lesser omentum.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Predominantly left hepatic venous channels, often joining the middle hepatic vein before entering the vena cava; lymph has hilar and diaphragmatic pathways.
- Relations
- Diaphragm superiorly and stomach posterior/inferiorly; the ligamentum venosum fissure separates part of this region from the caudate lobe.
- Function
- Carries out the same metabolic, synthetic and bile-producing work as the rest of the liver; its segmental organization also permits selected partial grafts.
Clinical correlation
A left hepatic artery may arise from the left gastric artery and travel through the lesser omentum. If it replaces the usual artery, interrupting it can compromise its hepatic territory; an accessory artery adds to an existing supply.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the left lobe of the liver located?
The left lobe of the liver lies projects across the epigastrium toward the left hypochondrium, anterior to the gastric/esophageal region.
What does the left lobe of the liver do?
Carries out the same metabolic, synthetic and bile-producing work as the rest of the liver; its segmental organization also permits selected partial grafts.
What are the parts of the left lobe of the liver?
Anatomical left surface lobe is distinct from functional left liver, which contains left lateral segments II/III and medial segment IV.
What is the blood supply of the left lobe of the liver?
Left portal venous branches and usually left hepatic arterial branches; replaced or accessory left gastric-derived arteries are recognized variants.