THE LIVER. 



with which it is connected by its convex border, while its 

 lower or concave edge is fixed to the upper surface of the 

 liver. Along the inferior margin, and enclosed within its 

 fold, is a cord, called the ligamentum teres'; this was formerly 

 the umbilical vein of the foetus, now obliterated and converted 

 into a closed ligamentous cord. It passes into the anterior 

 notch of the liver. The third and fourth ligaments are the 

 right and left lateral. The former is reflected from the pos- 

 terior part of the diaphragm to the posterior margin of the 

 right lobe. The left lateral comes from the same part of 

 the diaphragm and goes to the posterior margin of the left 

 lobe. The coronary ligament is described as extending from 

 the suspensory towards the lateral ligaments, and as con- 

 sisting simply of the lateral extension of the former. 



The liver lies in the concavity of the diaphragm, and is 

 protected by the seven or eight inferior ribs. Below it is 

 bounded by the stomach and duodenum, with which it is 

 connected by the omentuin minus ; on the left is found the 

 spleen, and behind are the ascending or inferior cava and 

 vertebral column. 



The/orm of tlie liver has been compared to an ovoid cut 

 in the direction of its long axis. Its average length is 

 from ten to twelve inches, and its width from six to seven 

 inches. The weight is from three to five pounds, though 

 all these measurements are liable to great variation. Its 

 color is usually a reddish brown, not unfrequently inter- 

 spersed with dark patches, especially on the lower surface, 

 which however are not morbid. The color of the liver, in- 

 deed, varies as much as its weight and length. It is forihd 

 red in the very young, and pale and yellow in the old. Its 

 consistence is no less variable. It is generally firm, dense, 

 and resisting, sometimes very hard and friable ; then again 

 quite soft, so much so as to break readily under pressure of 

 the fingers. This latter condition is often owing to a fatty 

 degeneration. 



The surfaces of the liver are superior and inferior. The 

 superior or upper surface is convex and smooth, fits in the 

 concavity of the diaphragm, and is divided by the sus- 

 37 



