Anatomy of the Canine Liver - Hepatic lobes and Ligaments

LIVER
It is one of the accessory organs of the digestive system. It is the largest organ in the body situated on the abdominal surface of the diaphragm.
The liver has 2 surfaces: the diaphragmatic surface and the visceral surface.
​The diaphragmatic surface is generally molded to the shape of the diaphragm and is therefore convex. The visceral surface is concave and represents the portal entry through which the portal veins, hepatic artery and veins and lymphatic vessels enter or leave the liver. The visceral surface also represents many impressions of other structures that are in close contact with the liver from the abdominal cavity. The liver is held in position largely by the pressure of the other viscera and also by its close attachment to the diaphragm. Furthermore, this attachment is facilitated by ligaments which may be up to 6 in number.
Coronary ligament - This is present in all animals and attaches the liver to the diaphragm.
Falciform ligament - This is continuous with the coronary ligament and attaches the liver to the floor of the abdominal cavity as well as the sternal part of the diaphragm.
Right and left triangular ligaments - When present they attach the dorsal border of the respective portion of the liver to the diaphragm.
Hepatorenol Ligament - it attaches the caudate lobe of the liver to the right kidney.

LOBATION OF THE LIVER
The liver has four major lobes: the left lobe and the right lobe. Interposed between the 2 lobes are the caudate lobe and the Quadrate lobe. The proximal lobe which is cranial to the portion is the caudate lobe and the distal one is the Quadrate lobe.