Ligament
Ligamentum teres hepatis
Round ligament tracing the fetal umbilical venous route
High-yield
The round ligament represents the umbilical vein; the separate ligamentum venosum represents the ductus venosus.
Overview
The ligamentum teres runs from the umbilicus toward the left portal venous region in the free edge of the falciform ligament. Near the liver it occupies the umbilical fissure between the quadrate surface and the anatomical left lobe. It is the fibrous postnatal remnant of the left umbilical vein.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Extends from the umbilical region through the falciform free edge and round-ligament fissure toward the left portal branch.
- Function
- Records a fetal vascular pathway that carried oxygen-rich placental blood to the liver; after closure it mainly serves as a fibrous remnant and anatomical landmark.
- Clinical point
- Paraumbilical veins alongside the remnant link portal and abdominal-wall venous channels. Enlargement in portal hypertension may produce visible collateral veins without requiring complete reopening of the original umbilical lumen.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the ligamentum teres hepatis attach?
Extends from the umbilical region through the falciform free edge and round-ligament fissure toward the left portal branch.
What does the ligamentum teres hepatis do?
Records a fetal vascular pathway that carried oxygen-rich placental blood to the liver; after closure it mainly serves as a fibrous remnant and anatomical landmark.
Why does the ligamentum teres hepatis matter clinically?
Paraumbilical veins alongside the remnant link portal and abdominal-wall venous channels. Enlargement in portal hypertension may produce visible collateral veins without requiring complete reopening of the original umbilical lumen.