Ligament
Ligamentum venosum
Fibrous trace of the fetal hepatic shunt
High-yield
Distinguish the two fetal remnants: ligamentum teres follows the umbilical inflow, while ligamentum venosum follows the intrahepatic bypass.
Overview
The ligamentum venosum occupies a posterior fissure between the caudate region and the left hepatic lobe. It follows the former ductus venosus route from the left portal/umbilical venous region toward hepatic venous outflow. During fetal life this channel diverted part of the placental inflow around the hepatic sinusoids.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Runs from the left portal region along its hepatic fissure toward the left hepatic vein/caval junction; the terminal relationship varies.
- Function
- A postnatal fibrous remnant of a fetal channel that allowed a portion of umbilical blood to bypass the hepatic microcirculation.
- Clinical point
- Its fissure helps identify the caudate–left-liver interface and the hepatic attachment of the lesser omentum on imaging or dissection.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the ligamentum venosum attach?
Runs from the left portal region along its hepatic fissure toward the left hepatic vein/caval junction; the terminal relationship varies.
What does the ligamentum venosum do?
A postnatal fibrous remnant of a fetal channel that allowed a portion of umbilical blood to bypass the hepatic microcirculation.
Why does the ligamentum venosum matter clinically?
Its fissure helps identify the caudate–left-liver interface and the hepatic attachment of the lesser omentum on imaging or dissection.