Right lobe of the liver

Overview

The anatomical right hepatic lobe forms most of the liver beneath the right diaphragmatic dome. Surface lobar descriptions differ from the portal-territory map used to define functional right liver. The quadrate region maps into the functional left liver, while the caudate is a separate region rather than simply left-sided tissue.

Reference facts

Location

Predominantly in the right hypochondrium beneath the right hemidiaphragm.

Parts

Functional right liver comprises V/VIII in the anterior section and VI/VII in the posterior section, with the right hepatic venous plane between them.

Blood supply

Usually right portal and right hepatic arterial branches, with replaced or accessory arterial configurations.

Innervation

Sympathetic and vagal fibers in the hepatic autonomic plexus.

Venous/Lymphatic drainage

Right and middle hepatic venous channels, sometimes supplemented by short caval veins, drain this territory; lymph has hilar and diaphragmatic routes.

Relations

Visceral surface neighbors include right kidney, adrenal region, proximal duodenum, gallbladder and hepatic colic flexure.

Function

Contributes a large share of hepatic metabolic, synthetic, storage and bile-producing capacity.

Frequently asked questions