VAN 221: Veterinary Splanchnology and Applied Anatomy (1+1)

LIVER (HORSE)

• It is more extensive but thinner. It extends from the right para chondria through the epigastric to the left para chondriac region in a sloping direction from right to left
• Its average weight is about 5 kg. It has three lobes, right; middle or central and a left lobe, separated by inter lobar fissures ventrally
• The right lobe is larger and presents at its upper part the caudate lobe and caudate process. The middle lobe is smaller than the right in the young
• The parietal surface is convex and presents a median vertical fissure -the fossa vena cava
• The visceral surface is concave and presents the portal fissure above its middle
• The extensive concave area in front is the gastric impression and behind the portal fissure is the narrow duodenal impression and behind this is the colic impression left by the diaphragmatic flexure of the great colon

• The visceral surface is concave and presents the portal fissure above its middleThe extensive concave area in front is the gastric impression and behind the portal fissure is the narrow duodenal impression and behind this is the colic impression left by the diaphragmatic flexure of the great colon
• The liver has no gall bladder
• The right border is thin. The left border is convex and begins at the oesophageal notch
• The ventral border presents two fissures dividing the liver into three main lobes
• The middle lobe is divided by secondary fissures in to smaller lobes
• The border presents the following from right to left,
  • attachment of right lateral ligament
  • renal impression
  • Fossa vena cava
  • Oesophageal notch
  • attachment of left lateral ligament
  • In addition to the ligaments in the ox there are
    • One left lateral ligament attaching the left lobe to tendinous centre of the diaphragm and
    • One coronary ligaments on either side of the caudal vena cava, which unites below to form the falciform ligament
• The hepatic duct opens into the duodenum about 12 to 15 cm from the pylorus