THE LIVER 



40i 



In small subjects the weight (according to Schmaltz) varies from 6J^ to 10 pounds (ca. 

 3 to 4.5 kg.), in large subjects from 11 to 13 pounds (ca. 5 to 6 kg.). According to Schneider, 

 the average weight is al>out 13 pounds (ca. 6 kg.) — a little over 1 per cent, of the live weight and 

 about 2 per cent, of the dressed carcass. 



When hardened in situ, its configuration adapts it accurately to the structures 

 with which it is in contact. 



The parietal surface is convex and is for the most part applied to the right 

 part of the diaphragm, but a small part of it is in direct contact with the last two 

 ribs and with the flank at the lumbo-costal angle. It faces upward, forward, and 

 to the right. 



The curvature of the parietal surface is not regular. It is marked, except in its ventral 

 part, by a blunt oblique ridge which corresponds to the basal border of the right lung. This 

 prominence divides the surface into two areas. Of these, the external one is directed outward, 



Renal impression 



He pa lie artery 

 Portal vein 

 Bile-duct 



Lesser omentum (cut) 

 GEsopfiageal notch 



Caudate lobe 

 Lymph gland 



( 'ystic duct 



Uml.ilical fissure 



Fig. 297 — I.iver of Young Ox, Visceral Surface; Hardened in situ. 



is only slightly convex, and often shows impressions of the last three ribs. The inner area pre- 

 sents a depression produced by the right crus of the diaphragm, and otherwise is regularly convex 

 and adapted to the tendinous center and sternal portion of the diaphragm. The falciform 

 ligament is attached to the surface from the a-sophageal notch to the umbihcal fissure. 



The visceral surface is concave and very irregular; it presents impressions of 

 the chief organs which are in contact with it — the omasum and reticulum. It is 

 also related to the pancreas and duodenimi. 



The following markings are quite distinct on the visceral surface of well-hardened speci- 

 mens: (1) The omasal impression (Impressio omasica) is a deep central cavity below the portal 

 fissure. (2) The reticular impression (Impressio reticularis) is a smaller marginal depression below 

 the oesophageal notch and the inner part of the preceding, from which it is separated by a rounded 

 ridge. (3) The abomasal impression (Impressio abomasica), present only in the calf, is produced 

 by the anterior part of the abomasum. It lies along the ventral part of the surface, and is sep- 

 arated by ridges from the preceding impressions. It disappears as the omasum and reticulum 

 26 



