314 SPLANCHNOLOGY. 



middle lobe, the smallest, is placed below the transverse fissure, 

 and consists of several small lobes formed by clefts in its inferior 

 border ; sometimes, from its square shape, it is called the lobulus 

 quadratus. The middle lobe of the liver is related with the 

 centre and inferior portions of the diaphragm. The left lobe 

 resembles generally the right in form, but is rather smaller, 

 situated lower down, and in the left hypochondriac region. 



The ligaments of the liver are six in number, five being partly 

 formed by the peritoneum, while the sixth is the round ligament, 

 or fibrous remains of the umbilical vein, a foetal structure, which, 

 ascending from the umbilicus to the anterior fissure, is embedded 

 in the folds of the broad ligament. 



The broad or suspensory ligament consises of two adherent 

 layers of peritoneum, one border being attached to the anterior 

 surface of the middle lobe, the other to the posterior surface of 

 the diaphragm and abdominal floor ; the round ligament is 

 situated between these folds. 



The coronary ligament consists of fibres covered' by peri- 

 toneum, and passes from the superior border of the anterior fissure 

 to the pillars of the diaphragm, being attached to the posterior 

 vena cava. 



The right lateral ligament, in common with the coronary and 

 left lateral, consists of a double layer of peritoneum, strengthened 

 by white fibrous tissue ; it stretches from the superior border of 

 the right lobe and lobulus Spigelii to the diaphragm. 



The left lateral ligament passes from the upper border of the 

 left lobe of the liver to the left side of the foramen sinistrum of 

 the diaphragm, being attached to the fibrous phrenic centre. In 

 addition to the above, there is a small double fold of peritoneum 

 joining the upper border of the lobulus Spigelii to the right 

 kidney ; it has been named the Spigelian ligament. 



STRUCTURE OF THE LIVER. 



The coverings of the liver are an external serous, and an 

 internal fibrous coat. 



The serous coat of the liver is a part of the peritoneum, and 

 is reflected from the surface of the gland to assist in forming the 

 ligaments and gastro-hepatic omentum. The inner coat consists 

 of a thin fibrous membrane, adherent to the serous coat and to 

 the glandular substance. It invests the entire organ, and passes 



